E. Shawn Qaissaunee, a Berklee College of Music Alumnus, has been in demand as a multi-instrumentalist and composer for nearly twenty years. He is sought out for his talents on guitar, bass, piano and both the rubab and dutar, instruments from his native Afghanistan. Shawn is known for his musical sensitivity, lyricism and spirited drive to create excitement among listeners and fellow musicians.

“Qaissaunee’s ability to transcend the confines of a single style of music speaks volumes of his skills as an artist… one is immediately struck by the versatility and breadth of talent Qaissaunee possesses.” – Sheldon T. Nunn (jazzreview.com)

E. Shawn Qaissaunee has performed and/or recorded with: David Bromberg (world-renowned blues and folk musician), Xiang Gao (virtuoso classical violinist), Gary Grainger (bassist extraordinare with John Scofield), Sean Rickman (funk/fusion drummer with Steve Coleman/Joe Zawinul), David Dyson (phenomenal bassist with Steve Coleman/Cassandra Wilson/Me’Shell N’degeocello), Jimmy Coleman (drummer with John Legend/Amos Lee/Eric Hutchison), Ron Holloway (saxophonist with Allman Brothers/Government Mule/Derek Trucks), Benny Golson (world famous jazz composer and saxophonist), and Terry Tyler (Philadelphia area bassist with Jill Scott/Wyclef Jean/Grover Washington Jr.).

E. Shawn Qaissaunee has opened for: McCoy Tyner (legendary jazz pianist), Al Green (legendary soul singer), Derek Trucks (virtuoso slide guitarist), Joss Stone (neo-soul vocalist), Maysa (neo-soul and smooth jazz vocalist)

E. Shawn Qaissaunee has performed at: Bermuda Music Festival (Naval Dockyard, Bermuda), Clifden Artsweek (Clifden, Ireland), Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival (Rehoboth Beach, DE), Clifford Brown Jazz Festival (Wilmington, DE), Cape May Jazz Festival (Cape May, NJ), Grand Teton National Park (Jackson Hole, WY), The Island Hotel and Resort (Newport Beach, CA), Pennsylvania Convention Center (Philadelphia, PA), Colorado Convention Center (Denver, CO), Strathmore Music Center (Bethesda, MD)