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Shawn Thwaites
Shawn Thwaites is a reputable and versatile steelpan musician and performer. His accomplishments include recordings with notable artists, such as Lauryn Hill, Walter Beasley, and Greg Philliganes. He has toured North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, bringing his distinct sound to audiences around the world. Thwaites earned his stripes within the steeldrum fraternity performing with several steel orchestras, such as Pan Masters, Moods Pan Groove and Oasis Steel Orchestra. He has carried that torch to some of the world’s most prestigious venues, such as the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Memorial Washington, DC. In 2011, he joined Native Deen, an American Nasheed group, with whom has performed for diverse audiences on five continents. In 2015, he formed the Shawn Thwaites Rebel Quartet.
The Shawn Thwaites Rebel Quartet (STRQ) was born out of an exploratory effort to fuse intricate masterpieces of Caribbean, African, American, and European composers. With the steeldrum at the helm, STRQ is undoubtedly the world’s most eclectic ensemble. As a steeldrum musician, Thwaites’ vision was to compile a cadre of talented musicians in a manner that would authentically present the steel drum and its deeply rooted history, while simultaneously pushing the instrument and culture to uncharted territories. Bringing together elements of jazz, rhythm and blues, hip hop, afro-beat, and calypso, STRQ pushes the limits of innovation, while remaining loyal to authentic world sounds.
With STRQ, Thwaites is actively reviving the birth of cool contemplated by Miles and realized by those who have used this approach as their musical foundation, such as Robert Glasper, Christian Scott, Esperanza Spalding, and Kendrick Lamar.
STRQ’s music is a healer, a weapon, a legal drug. It truly doesn’t get any better.
Awards
Berklee Graduate Class 2003
Disney Award
Pan United Honor
Tags
Shawn Thwaites Rebel Quartet: New Life
by Geno Thackara
If there's one impression about Shawn Thwaites that jumps out at first glance, it's a willingness to jokingly twist expectations. The Trinidadian-American's music is billed as modern jazz intertwining hip-hop, funk and calypso"--a blending just as offbeat as his choice of steel drums for main instrument--and his Rebel Quartet actually turns out to have six members. The band shows the same defiant and carefree attitude throughout their debut New Life, making for a listen as zesty and colorful as its ...
read morePrimary Instrument
Drums, steel
Location
San Francisco
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
Shawn Thwaites is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and has over 15 years of experience in music composition, performance, and education. After completing his undergraduate studies, Thwaites founded Pan United Youth Movement (PUYM), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that exists to empower underserved youth with essential life skills through music education and performance. Through PUYM, Thwaites has founded two youth steel orchestras: Virginia All Steel Orchestra (VASO) and the Washington National Steel Orchestra (WNSO)
Photos
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson