Education
Had first guitar lessons from his father around 12 years of age. Interest in jazz was fostered by local guitarists Brian Barnard and Brian Gibbs - then in his teens studied with former CBS Fender Guitar Company Demonstrator Peter Dyke- session guitarist Andre Emond and classical guitarist Denis Duffel. Went on to study at Leeds College of Music with jazz specialists Adrian Ingram, Andy Watson and Trevor Owen Also studied with renowned professor of classical guitar, and Segovia biographer, Graham Wade. Represented the college in master classes with Barney Kessell, Tal Farlow, George Van Eps and Martin Taylor. Shane graduated with a first class diploma in 1987 and his final dissertation was subsequently published as a book: Tal Farlow Jazz Guitarist.
Performing and Teaching
Educational experience includes tutoring guitarists in the Surrey Youth Jazz Orchestra for over ten years, teaching accompaniment on the Hot Swing Fiddle and Guitar Course for Benslow Music Trust and for The European String Teachers Association (ESTA) with the the late British jazz violin maestro Aidan Massey. Adjudicating guitar festivals and teaching all styles of guitar at Whitgift School, Royal Russell School and for Surrey County Arts for over 15 years. Shane has also contributed research material to Hal Leonard Publishing USA and Just Jazz Guitar Magazine also based in America. He has also performed with flute educationalist and former James Galway producer Mike Mower.Played at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club as a member of the Dick Pearce Quartet and with Kymaera. Festival performances include (Lisbon, Jersey, Grassington, Dorset and Docklands). Numerous club and theatre dates particularly accompanying singers including UK tour with Maria Ewing, one night shows with Tina May, Elaine Delmar and Kate Dimbleby. Radio broadcasts include original material by Kymaera played on BBC radio by Humphrey Littleton and live performances on Womans Hour and the Ned Sherin show: Loose Ends. The duet album Maintaining Standards featuring Dick Pearce and Shane together ,has also received airplay on Jazz FM. Session work has included playing on a Bob Marley remix for Island Records and numerous dance track remixes- with artists such as Gina G , Lionel Richie and Mary J Blige- for Moto Blanco Productions. Performed and recorded with Don Rendall, Don Weller, Martin Drew, Dave Green and Tal FarlowCo-founded latin fusion band and production company Kymaera. Other musicians involved include former Eric Clapton and Joan Armatrading bassist Dave Markee, Acoustic Alchemy co-founder Simon James ,former Ronnie Scott Band trumpeter Dick Pearce and drummer- percussionist Michele Dress who also played in the Kirsty Mac Coll band and with the likes of Mica Paris. Kymaera’s first commission was to record a tribute album for MCI Records of Antonio Carlos Jobim's music. Shane's electric and acoustic guitar playing can be heard on numerous compilations including Smooth Jazz Two (Union Square Music) The Most Relaxing Album In The World Ever (EMI Music) and Brazil 500 (Demon Music Group). Other recording projects have included collaborations with Sting Band pianist Jason Rebello, saxophonist Dave O’ Higgins and Jan Garbarek Band pianist Rainer Bruninghaus. Original compositions have also been placed on a guitar library
album commissioned by EMI / KPM.
