Credits

Shannon grew up in the Washington DC area where he was active in various school bands, local orchestras and drum corps. 

While in High School, Shannon performed with jazz greats like Clark Terry, Urbie Green and Mundell Lowe. The experience of working with these legendary artists at such a young age had a tremendous influence on Shannon’s technical skills and ultimately, his decision to aggressively pursue a career in music.

Shannon continued playing drums all over the East coast in a wide variety of musical settings. He co-founded jazz fusion groups, “Tim Eyermann’s East Coast Offering,” and “Natural Bridge.” At the same time, he recorded and performed with many other progressive rock bands, jazz ensembles, blues acts, and country artists.

It was also during this time that Shannon became a member of “Redneck Jazz,” led by guitar legend Danny Gatton. Shannon would go on to tour and record three albums with Gatton, including the Grammy nominated “88 Elmira St.”

In 1980 Shannon began a stint with country legend Roger Miller, and in 1984 was hired by Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers. He toured extensively with the Gatlins and recorded six albums with this group.

In 1992 Shannon made the move to New York City, where he quickly got work in the pit orchestras of various Broadway shows, while continuing to perform with artists including singer-songwriter, Phoebe Snow. He also took on the Musical Director responsibilities for noted 60’s pop singer Lou Christie as well as touring with country artist Kathy Mattea.

During this phase of Shannon’s career came the opportunity to work with Paul Simon on the album, “Songs From the Capeman”. He has continued to work with Mr. Simon on various collaborations.

Shannon currently lives in New York City where he continues to perform, record and teach.

 

 

RECORDING HIGHLIGHTS
SONGS FROM THE CAPEMANDrummerPaul Simon
NATURAL WONDERDrummerPhoebe Snow
88 ELMIRA ST, CRUISIN' DEUCESDrummerDanny Gatton
WEARING SOMEONE ELSE'S CLOTHESDrummerJason Robert Brown
BEETLEJUICE, CHAPLIN, GODSPELL, BKLYNDrummerBroadway Cast Recordings
BROADWAY
BEETLEJUICEDrummerWinter Garden Theater, NYC
HANDS ON A HARDBODYDrummerBrooks Atkinson Theater, NYC
CHAPLINDrummerEthel Barrymore Theater, NYC
GODSPELLDrummerCircle In The Square, NYC
NEXT TO NORMALDrummerBooth Theater, NYC
BKLYN, THE MUSICALDrummerSchoenfeld Theater, NYC
NEXT TO NORMALDrummerNational Tour
BEAUTIFUL, THE CAROLE KING MUSICALDrummerNational Tour

REFERENCES

Tom Kitt (Composer, Music Supervisor at Next To Normal)
Larry Gatlin (Recording Artist)
Trey Anastasio (Composer at Hands On A Hardbody)
Charlie Alterman (Musical Director at Next To Normal, Godspell)
Bryan Perri (Musical Director at Next To Normal Tour, Chaplin)
Carmel Dean (Musical Director at Hands On A Hardbody)
Kris Kukul (Orchestrator, Musical Director at Beetlejuice)