By Derek Kaye,
Castlegar News contributor
Shawn Hook is back in town, and is playing at the Element Bar and Grill this Saturday December 21. In his philanthropic way, all proceeds are to benefit the Castlegar Rebels. This still-young lad has been playing for quite some time. After studying at Selkirk College Music School, he crafted his way into a 2002 singer/songwriter independent release. He had a second independent album release in 2006. One of his recorded songs ‘Soldier’ had an impact on a broad audience; enough for him to be invited to play showcases in Los Angeles. In sunny California he gathered more recognition and scored a gig writing and recording for ABC Studios. Now he is celebrating his latest release through EMI Records.
“Cosmonaut and the Girl… is my way of exploring without ever going to space… it’s something I have to do while I am still young. I can always go back to just me behind a piano or guitar.”
Cosmonaut is produced by the celebrated, Jon Levine who has on his resumé Nelly Furtado, The Philosopher Kings and Kreesha Turner. This album combines acoustic guitar with an electro pop sensibility of backing instrumentation. The result is a pleasing blend of co-written and solo songs that have received widespread attention including a Juno nomination this past March for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
Hook has well-supporting videos for some of the songs on this album and they have interesting story-lines and cinematography. Shawn has an amazing voice and talent as a piano and acoustic guitar player. On the net you can find a solo piano version of ‘Planet Earth’ and solo acoustic guitar video of ‘So Close’. As well, there is the heavily but finely produced video of ‘So Close’, with full electronica backing tracks and real drum samples. ‘So Close’ was so successfully recognized that it was chosen as a 2012 Olympic Theme Song. But whether the song is heavily produced into a very modern radio friendly production of a heartfelt song, or is a bare bones acoustic guitar version, the emotion of Shawn is carried right to your heart.
Shawn is calling the event this Saturday the “Kootenay’s Christmas Classic.” This Kootenay lad deserves all the praise and benefits being bestowed upon him. He has been playing music since the age of four. The intensity of his performances in videos demands one to see this player of the new modern musical industry. You may not be able to buy Shawn Hook’s songs on vinyl, but you can certainly purchase downloads and watch his well-recorded videos.
But if you really want an old-fashioned musical experience then come see the hometown boy for a real gig at a real place supporting a real hockey team.
Shawn Hook is playing the Element Bar and Grill this Saturday, December 21 with all proceeds from ticket sales benefiting the Castlegar Rebels. Proudly presented by the Element and Mountain FM. Tell all your friends.
