Album Notes

Passing Through is guitarist/composer E. Shawn Qaissaunee's third CD release. It breaks new ground in the jazz-funk fusion genre. It showcases Shawn's lyrical and engaging guitar style and sophisticated writing style as well as the interaction of a dynamic and energetic quartet. Saxophone, bass and drums round out the group for this musical offering that is rich with infectious grooves, inventive improvisation and catchy melodies.

Saxophonist Eric Powell is full of energy and ideas on the sometimes simple, sometimes complex harmonic backdrops of Passing Through. Listen to First Two, then Four or Don Don for some examples of Eric's extraordinary musicianship. Harry "Butch" Reed brings maturity, dynamics and interaction galore to the drum kit and shines throughout- most especially on Lou's Interpolation and Funky Madison. Bassist Charlie Murry is most comfortable in the "pocket"- check him out on Jeannine and Funky Madison.

---The thread that binds it all together is guitarist/composer E. Shawn Qaissaunee's sound, creativity, sensitivity and songwriting style.---

Qaissaunee (kay-saw'-nee) was born in Kabul, Afghanistan and raised in the USA. He studied Jazz Composition and Music Education at Berklee College of Music and has been a sought after musician internationally for over ten years. Highlights in Shawn's career include performances with jazz greats McCoy Tyner and Benny Golson, artist residencies in Virginia and Oregon and tours across the USA and Europe.

Shawn is currently performing to promote Passing Through as well as and his newest endeavor, the Afghan Jazz Project, which combines his eclectic jazz and funk roots with the music of Afghanistan.

recent and upcoming performances:

Strathmore Music Center (Washington, DC) opening for Derek Trucks Band

Rehoboth Jazz Festival (Rehoboth Beach, DE)

The Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts (Dover, DE)

The Bermuda Music Festival (opening for Chris Botti)