Home » Member Page

Shaun Blezard

composer and improviser working with digital technology

About Me

Shaun Blezard is a composer and improviser working with digital technology. Currently his interest lies in smart technology and his playing is based around an iPhone and iPad. Touch screen technology, accelerometers and wireless technology are opening up so many avenues of exploration in music and it is becoming much more like playing a traditional instrument.

Shaun has been working with digital/electronic music for 20 years, starting with basic samplers in the 90’s, through various versions of laptop set ups, fx boards and current smart technology. Starting in the world of ambient dance, he has evolved into a skilled electronic musician, playing a range of styles from sound art installations to full on free improv, pushing for new ways of expression working with new technologies and how they integrate with traditional instrumentation. He has played with range of contemporary artists including Matthew Bourne, Ryoko Akama, Keith Jafratte, Charlie Collins, Kalendar, Anton Hunter, Mick Beck, Martin Archer, Stephen Grew, Steve Lewis, Seth Bennett, Susan Matthews and Yoko Miura.

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because... it speaks to me in a language that is both intellectual and emotional I was first exposed to jazz...through the writing of Jack Kerouac I met Evan Parker... when he was on the interview panel for my Portfolio Improvisers scheme at Sound and Music, we talk about old time banjo players The best show I ever attended was... Evan Parker/Stephen Grew/Phil Marks at Lancaster Priory The first jazz record I bought was... Best of Blue Note My advice to new listeners... follow your ears, don'y worry too much what is deemed cool, look out for the things that grab you and don't think if they are jazz or not, just that they sound good to you Or whatever else you have in mind.