SoundXchange on CBC Radio One

Saturdays 5:00-6:00 p.m. on CBC Radio One.
Kelley Jo Burke, Spoken word, SoundXchange Host

SoundXchange is a review of Saskatchewan arts, entertainment and culture. The X features spoken word performance (poetry short stories drama), variety music (jazz, folk, rock, hip hop) and classical and new music performances, and a weekly wrap-up of Saskatchewan arts news.

Shawn and the Wolf are a unique and highly accessible jazz duo that combines trombone with guitar, two instruments seldom heard together. While their music is definitely rooted in a jazz sensibility, they take inspiration from a variety of genres, creating arrangements of tunes like The Beatles' 'Money Can't Buy Me Love' and Burt Bacharach's 'Close to You'. Their music bridges gaps between genres and invites listeners in to an intimate and friendly musical space. 

Shawn Grocott grew up in Regina, but he moved to Germany in 1995 to further his studies in trombone performance. He has remained there ever since. While jazz music is a great love for him he's also interested in styles ranging from classical symphonic to big band swing and chamber music.  

Germany's Wolfgang Meyer-Johanning - known as 'Wolf' - retired from the stage more than 15 years ago, but was inspired to return as a collaborator with Shawn. In the intervening years he had founded a music store called Haus der Musik which he still runs. 

The big sound the duo creates - that can lead you to believe it's more than trombone and guitar you're hearing - is due in large part to Wolf's technique. His playing incorporates bass and percussive sounds not normally associated with the guitar, and he also uses looping techniques to great effect. Together the duo creates music that is deeply infectious and full of life.