shawn costantino.indd

Shawn Costantino Waltz for AnneBorn in Boston, Massachusetts in 1978, Shawn took to music at a very young age. As a student, Shawn performedat various district and all state festivals, but his primary inspirations toward a life in music were three fold. First, asa 4 year member of the Massachusetts Wind Ensemble or “MYWE,” Shawn enjoyed learning and studying underlegendary conductor Daniel Riley at the esteemed New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. This group washonored to perform for the president of Sony Corporation in Japan, in addition to performing concerts all aroundNew England, Canada, Europe, and Spain. Membership in this group led to Shawn being invited as a scholarshipstudent to the Boston University Tangle Wood Institute (BUTI) and then as a Governors scholar to the worldrespected Interlochen Arts Camp.In 1997, Shawn enrolled at The University of Miami to study with saxophone master, Gary Keller. This was aperiod of enormous development in Shawn’s playing. While at the “U” Shawn was a member of numerous awardwinning large and small ensembles.In 2002, with his college degree in hand, Shawn moved to Chicago. While pursuing a graduate degree at DePaulUniversity, Shawn hit the streets at night, sitting in, playing wherever and whenever possible. Shawn developeda reputation that led to his acceptance into the vibrant Chicago music scene. Shawn’s playing truly began toflourish during his time in Chicago. Under the watchful eye of jazz masters such as Larry Novak, Bob Lark, MarkColby, and Bob Palmieri, Shawn studied harmony intensively, while playing lead alto with the internationallyrecognized DePaul Jazz Ensemble, he played behind such luminaries as James Moody, Phil Woods, Bobby Shew,Wynton Marsalis, Jim McNeely, Kenny Werner, John Faddis, and David “Fat Head” Newman. The band hadhighly successful engagements at Chicago’s Jazz Showcase and aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines, “Jazz Party atSea”. Additionally, he was in several local bands that were big in the “jam band” scene, appearing at many regionalfestivals and touring extensively.In May of 2004, at the request of jazz legend Phil Woods, Yamaha invited Shawn to join their cooperation as aclinician, and endorsed artist. At the time, he was the youngest saxophonist to receive this very distinguishedhonor. With the assistance of Yamaha, Shawn has conducted dozens of clinics, residencies, and performancesaround the nation each year.In 2006, while pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Northern Colorado, Shawn was hired at theHarvard-Westlake School in North Hollywood. He is currently enjoying his 5th year as the director of jazzstudies at this elite Los Angeles High School. He directs classes including; 3 big bands, 10 combos, jazz historyand improvisation. Furthermore, he frequently performs and records regularly with top musicians in theLos Angeles area.1 Can’t buy me love 7:192 Whatever you do 6:583 Don’t let me be lonely 6:044 The Transplant 8:085 Waltz for Anne 10:146 The touch of your lips 10:547 Song for Ryan 7:488 Bailout 6:29Shawn Costantino: (Cost-an-tino) Altoand tenor saxophone, Flute, Alto Flute,Bass Clarinet, and ClarinetAndrew Synowiec: (sin-o-wick) Acousticand Electric GuitarsLincoln Cleary: Piano, Fender Rhodes,OrganJens Kuross: (Gents ku-ross) DrumsDavid Hughes: Bass

Shawn CostantinoWaltz for AnneWaltz for Anne marks the introduction of Shawn Costantinoas a leader. A highly pedigreed player who has won allthe right awards and played in all the right groups, growingup Shawn was mentored by some of the top names in jazz andpopular music. His tone is robust, round and unaffected with astrong bite reminiscent of his forefather’s, Stitt and Turrentine.Costantino creates interesting lines with creative harmonicapproaches which builds his solos in an organic and flowingmanner.The compositions on Waltz for Anne are full spectrum, rangingfrom hard edge Modern Jazz to grooving cuts that seamlesslyfuses old and new, to tender, but powerful pieces like “Don’tLet Me Be Lonely,” “The Touch of Your Lips” and “Song for Ryan.”Born in the 70’s Shawn grew up in an era that was filled withmany flavors, and Shawn certainly has absorbed the soundswith communicative dexterity on Alto, Tenor, Flute, Alto Flute,Bass Clarinet and Clarinet. Cuts like “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “TheTransplant,” “Waltz for Anne” and “Bailout” dip, twist and turninto a simmering pot of fluid evolvements that will satisfy thelistener’s angst for depth.Tracking and Press:706.993.2223706.264.9996kari@karigaffney.comwww.karigaffney.comJoined by Andrew Synowiec (acoustic, electric guitars), LincolnCleary (piano, Fender Rhoades, organ), Jens Kuross (drums), andDavid Hughes (bass), the band jumps right out of the gate witha big sound, underscored by Shawn’s commanding and fierysound.From climatic opuses, to compositions spiked with intricacies,Waltz for Anne is certainly the jazz of the next “gen.” Costantinoand his group more than rise to the occasion; in fact, with thisnew release they are creating a bar that will most assuredlystimulate the neural network in concert with a thrills-per-minutemusical panorama.RADIO ADD DATE : January 17, 2011