Shawn Nykwist

 

Shawn Nykwist grew up in the small town of Nanaimo on the west coast of Canada before moving to Toronto in 1990. Recognized mostly for his performances on the Tenor saxophone, he also plays the Alto, Soprano and flute. Shawn was awarded a Canada Council grant to study in New York with the international jazz legend George Coleman. Well-known in the jazz community, Shawn Nykwist has performed in all of Toronto' local jazz clubs (Pilot, Rex, Montreal Bistro, Top of the Senator) and festivals(DuMaurier,Beaches,Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival). He has also performed internationally in the United States, France, England, Egypt, Austria, Greece and the Caribbean. Shawn Nykwist's unique voice on the saxophone has been requested by various artists. He has had the privilege and honor of making beautiful music with Joey DeFrancesco, Don Thompson, Hugh Fraser, Kenny Wheeler, Lorne Lofsky, Cindy Blackman, Hiram Bullock and superstar; Lenny Kravitz.

 

“The newest young lions of Canadian jazz include tenor saxophonist Shawn Nykwist , who has a big tone, warm sound and focused attack that's sometimes recalls the Ben Webster - Coleman Hawkins school.”

Geoff Chapman (Torontoto Star)