Hang the Holley: Sharon Shannon

Welcome to Hang the Holly. I'll introduce you to SHARON SHANNON as we take an inside look at artists in the latest episode of the Celtic Christmas Podcast.    "Little Christmas" is the final episode of 2020. It features Christmas music from The Jig Is Up, Cynthia Shelhart, Steel Clover, Abbots Cross, Liz Madden, Laura MacKenzie, Reilly, Sharon Shannon, deCeadaoin, Tiffany Schaefer, Emish, Stephanie Claussen, Celtic Woman, Runa, The Selkie Girls   The show is generously brought to you by the Patrons of the Celtic Christmas Podcast on Patreon. Please show your Celtic Christmas Cheer, make a pledge to support the show. You will find milestones on Patreon which will effectively launch this show in 2021.   If you enjoy the show, you can rate the show or post comments on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher.    Subscribe to the podcast at CelticChristmasMusic.net.   And now on to Sharon Shannon   Playing the accordion puts you in a unique category in terms of making music, and Sharon Shannon is one of the artists that has that distinction. Interestingly, although she can and does play Irish music, her career has continually spanned many different musical genres, always bringing her own style and background along with her for the ride. She is an experienced and dedicated musician, and has worked with some huge names in the industry. Among the people/bands she has recorded and performed with, you’ll find well-respected (and well-known!) Irish names like Sinead O’Connor, The Chieftains, Shane McGowan, and even Bono. In keeping with her genre-jumping style though, you’ll also see her name has appeared alongside other musical heavyweights, like Jackson Browne and Wille Nelson. As if that isn’t testament enough to Shannon’s musical abilities, she has also collaborated with John Prine, Natalie McMaster, and even Japan’s Kodo Drummers!   Good musicians are always eager to expand their circle and play with other talented people, and this is something that defines Sharon Shannon. It is also something that has allowed her to grow, and that has seasoned her as a musical artist. From classical, to Cajun, to rap, Shannon has embraced all forms of music and in turn, they have informed her approach and style along the way. Interestingly, the Irish influence always does seem to shine through though, no matter who she has paired herself with!   Shannon has a well-rounded selection of albums, but with the holidays quickly approaching, nothing is more appropriate than than the Christmas single, “Christmas Time Again”, which features her accordion play front and center. It’s a nice, jolly romp—a bit more updated than the old, standard carols--but with the same spirit of fun. Pick this one up to add something different to your holiday playlist, or to gift to a friend or relative that loves expanding their collection of Christmas music. After all, there’s always a little bit of room for the accordion…right?   Find out more about Sharon Shannon at sharonshannon.com   If you hear music you love in the Celtic Christmas Podcast, then support the artists. Buy something from them. Sign up to their mailing lists. And share the episode with your friends on social or in your community.     The Celtic Christmas Podcast is free to enjoy. However, it is supported by the generosity of Celtic music fans like you over on Patreon. Get Christmas Cheer. Subscribe at CelticChristmasPodcast.com . Nollaig shona daoibh.