Sharon Shannon is an Irish accordion player from Clare, known for her approach to Irish traditional music and her extensive collaborations.
Born in East County Clare, Sharon Shannon was introduced to music by her brother Garry, who played the flute. Her early musical environment included her father playing the Jew’s harp, her parents dancing, and her grandparents, who were concertina players from Clare. Sharon initially learned the whistle from Tony Linnane before moving on to the accordion. She also attended Frank Custy’s Friday night céilís in Toonagh and played with showband-style groups during her early teenage years. During this time, she was schoolmates with fiddlers the Custys, Siobhán Peoples, and singer Maura O’Connell.
While in college at UCC, Sharon played with musicians such as Aidan Coffey, Matt Cranitch, and Dave Hennessy. She later took up the fiddle and moved to Doolin, where she became friends with Micho Russell. Her musical career advanced as she toured with the music for Behan’s “The Hostage” at the Druid Theatre in Galway and joined Johnny Ringo McDonough in Arcady. Sharon regularly played sessions with Seán, Breda, and Cora Smith at Winkles’ Hotel in Kinvara.
Her breakthrough came when she joined The Waterboys, leading to performances at festivals across Europe and the release of her first solo recording in 1990. Her music is known for its steady, contemplative, and highly rhythmic traditional style. She explores various genres, including swing, Cajun, French Canadian, and Cape Breton music. This eclectic mix highlights her versatility and innovation within the traditional Irish music framework.
Throughout her career, Sharon Shannon has collaborated with a variety of artists, such as Steve Earle, Jackson Browne, and Sinéad O’Connor. She has been a part of multiple ensembles, including her own band The Woodchoppers, and has worked with musicians like Dónal Lunny, Laoise Kelly, Mundy, and Desi O’Halloran. Her late 1990s band included her sister Mary (banjo, fiddle, bouzouki), Gavin Ralston (guitar), and James Blennerhassett (bass).
Sharon Shannon has received numerous awards, including the Meteor Irish Music Award for Best Traditional/Folk Artist. Her albums consistently feature in the Irish charts, and she is well-known for her energetic live performances.
Shannon’s discography includes:
Sharon Shannon (1991)
Out the Gap (1994)
Each Little Thing (1997)
The Diamond Mountain Sessions (2000)
Libertango (2003)
Live in Galway (2004)
Tunes (2005)
Going further
The Instruments of Irish Traditional Music
Introduction to Irish Traditional Music
Ornamentation in Irish Traditional Music
