Shawn Raiford returns with Vallejo!
Shawn Raiford, is one of the most appreciated musical talents currently rising in the Sacramento area music scene. Either playing alone or with the SRE Band, Raiford’s engaging ability on the alto saxophone combines his enthusiasm, showmanship, and capacity to entertain with just the right combination of popular hits and original music.
Vallejo (meaning beautiful), from his forth-coming album The Next Step, is a jazzy nod to the original East San Francisco Bay Area hip hop scene sound, pioneered by Mac Dre and E-40 promises to propel Raiford further into Smooth Jazz star status! Becoming well-known for his live performances, the artist packs his rich, pure, dynamic tones into an entertaining, muscular delivery.
From the outset of his musical career in 1999, when he first picked up the saxophone for his late grandmother’s 75-year church anniversary, he has learned the art of playing before discerning audiences that appreciate live music. Since then he has worked tirelessly to perfect his crystal clear sound and develop the gift of music that lay dormant within him until it was awakened as a young adult.
During his musical journey, he has benefited from the tutelage of some very capable musicians including keyboardist Reggie Graham and saxophonists Ron Moton, Andrew Beal, and Garrett Perkins.
Raiford counts David Sanborn, Gerald Albright, Harold Rayford, Jermaine Mondaine, Rosie Haynes, Kenny G, and Grover Washington Jr. as a few of his many musical influences. Not content with simply remaining a one-dimensional musician, he is currently learning to play piano and is studying music theory and composition at American River College in Sacramento.
…host of the Just Jazz radio show, writer, and occasional voice over artist.
