Shan Arsenault, jazz guitarist, composer and educator was born in Prince Edward Island and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Inspired by his mother’s playing, he took up the guitar at age seven. Mostly self-taught, Shan has spent many years cultivating a unique sound.

Over his long career, Shan has performed as a side man with countless musicians earning the reputation of a first-call player. Among the many artists he has performed with are Jeff Healy, Doug Mallory, Doug (Dr. Music) Riley, Jerry Granelli, Terry Hattie, Alfie Zappacosta, Dutch Mason, Kirk MacDonald, Lorne Lofsky, Skip Beckwith, Don Palmer, Chris Mitchell, Joe Sealy, Francois Houle, Han Bennink and the Paul Cram Sextet. He has toured throughout Canada and the U.S. and performed in many of Canada’s Jazz Festivals, including the prestigious Montreal International Jazz Festival. In 1997 Shan was nominated for an ECMA in the category of “Best Jazz Artist.” Shan received a Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia (MIANS) award for Best Jazz/Blues Recording/Artist for his recording “The Jazz Beat Sessions” (June 2005).

Shan has completed two recordings to date. “The Jazz Beat Sessions” is a compilation of two previously aired sessions for the nationally broadcast CBC program Jazz Beat. The CD includes seven of Shan’s original compositions as well as two standards. Shan is backed up solidly by Jamie Gatti on bass and Tom Roach & Dave Burton on drums.

Shan’s second international release “Below Sea Level” will be available in April 2008. “Below Sea Level” is ten of Shan’s original compositions for jazz guitar trio and quartet.

Shan is committed to performing as a band leader as well as writing and recording his own material. Other current projects include teaching a full studio of aspiring guitarists. Shan has been a clinician at the Acadia University Jazz Band Camps and recently began as an instructor at the Nova Scotia Community College’s new waterfront campus where they offer a music diploma.