Shannon Edwards is Smooth Jazz Now's Editor and when we can twist her arm she's also our interview transcriber. Growing up in Penticton, B.C. Shannon soaked in the hot Okanagan sun listening to artists such as Toto,Chicago, the Eagles, Abba and the Beach Boys. After years of being stuck in a car with John Beaudin listening to hours of Smooth Jazz she finally became a convert.


Bob Baldwin's "New Urban Jazz": Musical Gimmick or Next Step in Smooth Jazz?
Nov. 14, 2008 - While fans, broadcasters and even some musicians are predicting the death of Smooth Jazz. More

Kenny G Goes Nuts for Christmas
Nov. 14, 2008 – I just love it when a Jewish guy gets all hyped up on Christmas. Kenny G is planning a huge radio special for Christmas. Kenny, whose real name is Kenneth Gorelick has a 48 hour special of instrumental Smooth Jazz classics. More

 
 

Shannon and John have two children, Danica who is ten and Chase who is five years old. Some of Shannon's goals include learning higher levels of sign language, behavioral intervention for Danica who is Autistic and becoming more spiritual but mostly being scarce when John needs an interview transcribed.

Who would you love to have coffee with? Well, I'd have to say Chris Botti (pictured right with Shannon) Though I haven't spoken to a lot of these artists personally (that's John's job) but I'm always inspired by the depth and honesty of Smooth Jazz artists.

Shannon Edwards with Chris Botti
Chris Botti with Shannon
(click picture enlarge)
 

Mariah Carey Sounds Like Crap
Mariah Carey Buys $5 Million House
Nov. 9, 2008 – What the hell is wrong with Mariah Carey’s voice? She sounded like a Buick last week on Simon Cowell’s UK hit show ‘The X Factor.’ Having a bad vocal night is one. More

Rod Stewart and Faces to Reunite
Nov 14, 2008 – There may have been a few missteps in Rod Stewart’s career but fans of his old band the Faces are saying his gig next Monday isn’t one of them. It’s a practice rehearsal with the other surviving members of the Faces. More

 
  
Check Our Sister Site Rock History Book
Expect updates on Classic & Modern Rock. Also interviews and reviews. Check out the new site right now. www.rockhistorybook.com.


   


John and Shannon and Michael Buble

What drives you nuts? People who are late.

Best concert you've ever seen? That's easy Elton John and Billy Joel's 'Face to Face' tour was like a religious experience. We went with John's ex wife Lynn and her husband Chris, now that's face to face! (Seriously, we're quite good friends) Don Henley's 'End of the Innocence' show in Vancouver was a close second. I have to also mention Alfie Zappacosta, he's a Canadian national treasure.

Cowell & Abdul Send Love to Hudson 
Oct. 29, 2008 – Not only are fans, friends and family sending support and love to Jennifer Hudson but the American Idol clan are also reaching out. More

Joel Itching to Tour Again With Elton
Oct. 29, 2008 – Billy Joel had this great idea for special shows, ‘Master Classes’ a few years ago. He would talk as much as sing. The concert series which are widely available. More

 
  
Favorite people in the world? Of course John, who has been my best friend in the world since we met ten years ago. It's amazing everytime we go through difficult situations as a couple it always makes us so much stronger. We both live with a lot of gratitude in our lives. Danica and Chase are truly a blessing.
Shannon Edwards with Gino Vannelli
Gino Vannelli with Shannon
(click picture enlarge)

If you couldn't live in Canada where would you live? Anywhere on the west coast of the U.S. I love San Diego, San Francisco and L.A. I think it's fair to say we will probably live in the U.S at some time. I feel we may end up in Kelowna though someday.

Favorite album of all time? I don't really have one that stands apart from the rest. John just got me Seal's "Best / 1991-2004" amd it brought back so many memories - really great memories.

Does Smooth Jazz have a future in Canada? Only if the radio owners understand it. I think they are still afraid of it. The format can be very successful in Canada if it's done right. Instrumental music can be very hip and judging from the loads of emails we get every week the music fans are not satisfied with what's on radio. This is not the kind of format you want to hand over to someone who doesn't love it.

Who is the most underrated artist out there? I think it's a crime that Jonatha Brooke is not a huge star and in Smooth Jazz I think they are all underrated.


             
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 






 
 
 
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