News 5/15/06 - Shawn now has a blog and will be updating frequently. Please visit him there!
Shawn is certainly no stranger to adversity and his first album, Finding My way, reflects just that. Born in Honolulu 21 years ago, Shawn has been blind almost since birth, a victim of cancer of the retina in both eyes. With the incredible support of his family, he has never let his disability stand in the way of his success.
His musical talent was exhibited from the time he could hold two spoons or sand shovels in his hands. He set up sand buckets on the beach and created his own drum set when he was barely a year old, attracting Waikiki nightclub drummers who stopped by to marvel at this youngster.
At the age of 4, he began playing the piano, listening and succeeding in picking out and playing tunes he liked. At 5, he learned to play the drums, and at 7, Shawn was laying down tracks with countless different instruments.
Shawn has been exposed to a wide variety of music throughout his 21 years, from the symphony to the sounds of Waikiki. He's had formal training in the piano and trumpet and is mastering the skills of guitar, 'ukulele, drums, bass and percussion - all self taught.
Since Shawn's first CD release, he's been fortunate enough to have received not only the attention but respect of many of today's hottest performers. From Henry Kapono, the Pahinui Brothers, the Brothers Cazimero, Dennis Kamakahi, Hapa, Keali'i Reichel to Kapena, Fiji, Ernie Cruz, Jr., John Cruz, Harold Kama, Jr., and Robi Kahakalau to name a few; many of whom have called upon Shawn to share his talents with them for shows/concerts as well as recordings. Shwan has also been featured on every news channel as well as favorite local programs; Hawaiian Moving Company, Emme's Island Moments and Hot Hawaiian Nights. Hawaiian Airlines spotlighted Shawn for 6 months with his own listening channel where you heard his newest CD No Boundaries in its entirety along with an interview in between songs
Challenging the face of the local music, this young man is continually striving to reach new levels in his music always keeping it "real". His music is brave, bold, and exciting. His unique lap style of playing includes music ranging from traditional & contemporary Hawaiian, slack key, jazz, country, blues, pop, oldies, contemporary, and R & B.
In the early part of 1999, Shawn was discovering that "BB" was inhibiting people from knowing the person. His desire to become more approachable convinced him to drop the BB and use his birth name in hopes of allowing people to view him as a person rather than a 'celebrity' or 'artist'.
 |
 |
1999 Contemporary Album of the Year!
Shawn's third CD (and second for Flying Solo Music), hit the streets on
April 7, 1998! There are audio samples available for your listening
pleasure on Shawn's album page.
What began as an expression of gratitude to the fans and fellow musicians who have supported and encouraged him has developed into a profound musical statement. Live And Kickin is an amazing recording of Shawn's most requested songs, and shows a versatility and knowledge of many musical styles beyond his mere 19 years.
Audio samples from Shawn's album page.
"flying" is Shawn's own record label , which also
handles such illustrious clients as Bobby Ingano.
Flying Solo Music is branching out and recording CD's for other artists... Currently, Shawn is co-producing, along with Nancy, Richard "Pi'i" Miguel's album which is expected to be released in early fall of 2001. Bobby Ingano's Steel Reflections was released on November 17, 1998
For booking information, performances, and to email BB Shawn, contact Shawn Ishimoto. Please visit some of our friends and supporters at our links page.
