Christopher Davis-Shannon is a four string evangelist, educator and composer based in London As at home on the stage as he is in the classroom Davis-Shannon has become a staple at ukulele festivals as both a performer as well as educator.
His dazzling right hand techniques, pulling from masters ranging from Formby to Ka’ai, paired with the harmonic sensibility of Johnny Smith has lead to the development of a timeless ukulele style that is distinctly his own. Playing selections ranging from the great American songbook to Hawaiian standards to Brazilian bossa nova as well as his own originals Davis-Shannon defies categorization.
As an educator Davis-Shannon is both a highly sought after private tutor, clinician at festivals as well as for folk music organizations. His books include technique studies ranging from baroque campanella to adaption of clawhammer banjo, as well as rhythmic studies on George Formby. Davis-Shannon has also contributed articles on chord theory and rhythm to numerous ukulele publications.
Christopher’s compositions run the gamut from songs that could be well mistaken for bits of the great American songbook to instrumental compositions pulling from classical minimalist ideals as showcased in his latest album FIFTY/50 featuring accordionist Jaques Pellarin.