Every guest on The Working Artist Project has one thing in common, dedication to growth. Today's guest is no different. Sharel Cassity's relentless focus on her craft has allowed her to accomplish amazing things. Starting with Attending and completing her education at the prestigious Music School of Julliard to touring the world with legendary artists. She is an unstoppable force of focus, hard work, perseverance, and diligence. I had a great time discussing a wide range of topics with her and I hope you guys enjoy our conversation as much as I did.
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Contact Sharel Here
www.sharelcassity.com
www.elektralive.com
Bio:
Saxophonist and composer, Sharel Cassity (pronounced “Shah-Relle”), graduated in 2007 with an M.A. in Jazz Performance from the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City on a full scholarship. Since then, Sharel has shared the stage with Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, DeeDee Bridgewater, Natalie Cole, Johnny Mandel, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride, Gregory Porter, James Moody, Clark Terry, Phil Woods, Slide Hampton, Nicholas Payton, Jimmy Heath, Maceo Parker, Terrence Blanchard and other jazz greats. She has also performed with mainstream artists Arteha Franklin, Vanessa Williimas, K.D. Lang, Fantasia, Trisha Yearwood, Seth MacFarland (Family Guy), Ruben Blades, DJ Logic and Natalie Merchant. Leading her own groups, Sharel has released 3 albums with a 4th to be released in 2017 and, led concerts in notable venues both in the US and internationally. Sharel has performed on the Today Show (2015), the NBC’s Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular soundtrack (2014), was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame (2010), appeared in an ESPN Superbowl commercial in (2013) and in the PBS Television Broadcast “Juilliard Centennial Celebration” (2006). Sharel has been listed among DownBeat Magazine’s Critics Poll for Rising Star Alto Saxophone for 7 consecutive years (2010-2016) and has been featured in 3 jazz publications, “I Walked with Giants” by Jimmy Heath, “AM Jazz: Three Generations under the Lens” by Adrianna Mateo and “Freedom of Expression: Interviews with Women in Jazz” by Chris Becker. As a student Sharel won the ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award and was selected for the elite Betty Carter Jazz Ahead, Ravinia and IAJE Sisters in Jazz programs. Sharel is a Performing Artist for Vandoren, RS Berkeley Saxophones, and AMT Microphones. Sharel grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma and began playing the piano at the age of 6 and the saxophone at the age of 9.
