Shannon Gunn celebrates her new album’s release with shows on Friday and Saturday (Photo by Suzette Niess).
Most jazz musicians need to wear many hats to maintain a creative output while making a living.
Shannon Gunn, a Richmond, Va. native who holds a masters degree in jazz performance from George Mason, has spent a dozen years in the D.C. area, working hard to carve a niche for herself. In addition to running her own bands (Disclosure: I have performed with Gunn), she has organized the Jazz & Freedom Festival in conjunction with Martin Luther King Day, and in the past has produced a podcast featuring prominent members of the local jazz community.
“D.C. has such a wide and deep jazz history, and its players are serious about the craft,” Gunn says of the local scene.
All of this hard work has not gone unnoticed: Washington City Paper named Gunn D.C.’s Best Trombonist in 2015. Recently, she has focused on directing two groups: Shannon Gunn & The Bullettes, an all-female ensemble that varies its lineup, and the Firebird Organ Trio. The latter plays Adams Morgan’s Columbia Station on Tuesday nights and the City Paper named it 2016’s Best Small Jazz Ensemble.
Gunn’s new album, What It Takes, features a sextet version of The Bullettes as well as the trio.
“Honestly, I created this to have something to hand out when people request it,” she says. “I have been writing new originals and wanted to get it recorded and distributed for those who’d like to listen off hours.”
What It Takes is comprised of seven songs, six of which are Gunn’s own compositions. Her inspiration comes from a variety of sources, “even fake news!” she jokes. Trumpeter Rachel Therrien, saxophonist Sarah Hughes, keyboardist Miki Yamanaka, bassist Karine Chapdelaine, and drummer Savannah Harris round out the sextet. Organist Justin Taylor and drummer Allen Jones join Gunn for the trio tunes.
“Playing with these ladies was truly inspirational,” Gunn says of The Bullettes.”I am extremely thankful to play with such big ears.”
As for the fellas in the trio, Gunn has no shortage of compliments for them as well.
“I love playing with these guys, and I really love how the trombone matches up with the organ sound,” she says.
What It Takes may mark the closing of a chapter for Gunn. She says that her music is moving in a more experimental direction, and she is starting to develop a concept with some of her current colleagues that would blend free improvisation over solid grooves. She is also starting to incorporate more electronics and effects into her trombone playing.
She is also looking for ways to collaborate with artists outside of the music field and cross paths with potential creative partners.
“I wish there were some sort of grant system or infrastructure to encourage cross collaborations and meet-and-greets,” she says. “I am personally struggling with how to meet artists in different fields to mold new material together without asking anyone to work for free.”
Shannon Gunn’s album release events take place on Friday at the Fairfax Old Town Hall (8 p.m., FREE) and on Saturday at Mr. Henry’s from 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
