Individual Bios

Christopher Burgan: His dynamic vocals and guitar playing have earned him the praise of a growing list of fans, and the recognition of his peers. Pasadena Weekly states, "Burgan is his own man musically" while the San Gabriel Valley Tribune calls his work "Inspired."  The San Diego Troubadour states Christopher’s playing is "Reminiscent of the late Michael Hedges's best work." The San Gabriel Valley Examiner describes his sound as having "Integrity, honesty and powerful guitars." 

With praise like this, a growing list of musical accomplishments, and multiple CD releases under his belt, it makes perfect sense that Christopher would align himself along side such a talented band like The Tannins.

Christopher says his musical journey started like many others. "A childhood friend wanted to start a rock band. He said, 'I'll play drums.' So, I said, 'O.K., I'll play guitar'." And so it formally began. However, it didn't really start there. Christopher was born to be a musician. His father, Jerry Burgan co-founded 1965 GRAMMY nominated WE FIVE (San Francisco Sound "You Were On My Mind" "Let's Get Together" and "Somewhere Beyond The Sea") with his own childhood friend, and later music industry legend, Michael Stewart. Their concept was to take musical styles that seemed too different to work together, and create a fresh hybrid of new sounds. The term "Folk Rock" soon came to be associated with them and their contemporaries.

Ultimately, that very concept became the foundation for how Christopher began to chose his own preferences for music. "No matter what style of music I happen to be listening to, if it's made with excellence, I know that there is excellence to be learned from it," states Burgan. Obviously these were lessons well learned. With influences ranging from Jimmy Rogers to Rush, or Kiss to Michael Hedges, Burgan's multi-genre' influences have etched deep marks in him as a musician.

Now a multi instrumentalist, Christopher began sitting in on guitar with WE FIVE in 1986, and ultimately became their full time lead guitarist, mandolin player, and sometime drummer in 1998. This blessing of musical heritage has offered Burgan many unique opportunities to soak in the sounds with his parents on tour as a child, as well as enjoy his current position on stage right along side them with a Rickenbacker in hand. Likewise, as a solo artist his hybrid approach to playing has earned him the reputation as a player that must be seen and heard to be believed.

In addition to the Tannins, it is not uncommon to see Christopher playing along side a who's who list of musicians. Especially now with the availability of websites like YouTube, Christopher can be seen anytime playing with the likes of GRAMMY winner and consummate guitarist Laurence Juber, or ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro. In addition, as a member of We Five he has performed or shared billing with numerous noted national and local acts across the country. 

Born in San Francisco, California in 1966, and currently living in the greater Los Angeles area, Christopher continues to record and perform regularly with the Tannins, We Five, as a solo artist, as a side man, and produce independent acts.

Jimmy Dunn, jazz musician, grew up in a family of talented musicians, including his eldest sister who sang vocals for the Carpenter’s, and another older sister who danced and sang for Disney productions for more than 20 years.  

Jimmy cut his teeth on jazz, rock, blues/fusion by listening to Rick Wakeman, Elton John, Chick Corea, Bruce Hornsby and Oscar Peterson. Having studied jazz piano with a professor from Pasadena City College and classical from Lee Frick, a graduate of Peabody University who taught him a love for Chopin and Johannes Brahms, Jimmy learned at a very young age how to create a musical landscape that invokes emotion.  

Jimmy has composed for video games, a television pilot, and two films:  “The Hoax” (Stoney Creek Productions 2006) and “Desert Sky: The First Year in Iraq” (2005 documentary by Open Arms Productions and shown on the History Channel).  

Jimmy began  his performance and touring career as the musical director for The World Famous Platters and The Diamonds, and later served as the Instrumental Director for Community of Joy, an Arizona congregation of more than 10,000 members.  

The Jimmy Dunn Band released “Jazz Like Substance” in 1997, and one of the cuts from the album, “Bossa for Laura,” was featured on season 3 of AMC’s television hit show, “Breaking Bad.”  Most recently, Jimmy and his wife, Robin, composed a piano and ‘cello Soundscapes album that has been released on iTunes called “Creation.”  In addition to Stoney Creek and Open Arms Productions, 

Jimmy’s music has been published by “Maranatha! Music,” “Jimmy Dunn Music,” “Kids USA” and “Cooltech Productions.”  In 1994, Jimmy and Robin Dunn composed theme song for “Food for the Hungry, Int.” which was later published by Kids USA and became a top 10 on the Oz Radio Disney Network. 

The Tannins offers Jimmy the opportunity to express himself without compromise.  He is free to play in the moment through thoughtful preparation.  In addition, it offers him the opportunity to share his creativity with his best friend, and wife, Robin on cello.

Robin (Jones) Dunn also hails from a professional musical family. She is the daughter of Marlin Jones, former owner of Sound House Recording Studios in Hollywood, California.  They were most noted for recording the vocals of the first “Jackson 5” Christmas album and providing the soundtrack for NBC’s long-standing Grizzly Adams television series.  

Robin Dunn’s own musical career began in high school when she received a 3-year outstanding music award at Glendora High School, and traveled with the Mike Curb Congregation, singing back-up vocals in Las Vegas and Florida for country’s smooth-as-silk voice, Eddy Arnold.  

She later received a music degree from Azusa Pacific University and traveled with gospel groups, The Contemporaries & Truth, and sang and played for various recording projects produced by Bob Summers.  

From the age of 6, Robin studied ‘cello at the Claremont Colleges with a Russian cellist, Paul Gregory, and later with Noumi Fischer, concertmaster of the Warner Bros. recording orchestra.  

Robin has directed numerous vocal groups, including serving as the Artistic Director for the Girls’ Chorus of Scottsdale.  

In collaboration with her husband, Jimmy Dunn, Robin sings jazz vocals and plays ‘cello for weddings, corporate events, and nonprofit fundraisers, and has been published with “Kids USA,” “Maranatha! Music.” She also co-released the Creation project on IiTunes through “Cooltech Publications” with her husband Jimmy Dunn.

The Tannins has offered Robin the opportunity to break away from the confines of the written page and begin creating original parts on her cello.  Her playing creates a vital melodic and vibrant soundscape among the percussive beats and dancing notes that Christopher, Jimmy, and Shane lay down.  

Shane Schupbach  started his musical career as a fan. A childhood trip to see the Beatles play in Las Vegas set the stage for what would be a life long love affair with music. His passion for listening soon turned into one for capturing the sights of the concerts he’s attended.  This has driven Shane to fill pages of books with photos he has taken of his favorite guitar players and musicians. 

A chance meeting one afternoon in a parking lot with Christopher soon turned into a life long  friendship. During that time he has spent over fifteen years honing his musical abilities as a music director, worship leader, and recording artist. 

He first began singing in praise and worship bands in the 1990’s.  His years spent honing professional skills and performing with guest artists and house musicians, has trained his eyes and ears to reach for quality in himself, and in those around him.  

It was during this time that Shane began appearing with Christopher at various special events. They have logged countless hours of performance time together over the years. This time has yielded inclusion in several different bands and singing / playing on various recordings.

Shane’s first prominent vocal performances were archived on the Christopher Burgan “Love, Hope, Faith” CD. He sang backing vocals on the perpetual crowd pleasers “Pinky” and “White House” recordings.  

He began playing percussion while honing his lead vocalist skills with the classic rock band “Chat’erup Charlie.” During that time it became obvious to everyone listening that he was always meant to be a musician. 

The Tannins

The Tannins developed out of series of musical projects and life long friendships. Jimmy, Robin, and Christopher, all whom attended Glendora High School, grew up as musicians in the quiet bedroom community that served as home base to numerous Los Angeles music industry types wishing to exchange the grind of downtown living for a more rural experience. Not too far down the road, Shane grew up in Covina, moved to Glendora, and quickly established himself as a great singer among great singers. 

Along the way, solid friendships were cultivated and musical ideas exchanged between all four members. Within this mix of people, two distinct paths were forged.  In 1985 Jimmy and Christopher began discussing acoustic ideas around a then new musical style, Windham Hill Records. Although nothing was ever recorded, the vision was in place. 

However, around that same time Jimmy moved to Phoenix to become the music directer for the  10,000 member Community of Joy in Phoenix, Arizona. While there, he developed into a first call performer and jazz musician. Similarly, Christopher began fronting with rock outfits Adelphos, and 541 Baseline. In addition, he became the full time guitarist in 1960’s GRAMMY nominated We Five. Although Jimmy and Christopher continued to perform together from time to time, all the while remaining fast friends, distance proved to be too much. The project was tabled. 

The second path was via Christopher’s solo projects.  Shane and Christopher began playing music together in the 1990’s whenever We Five was not working.  After performing locally with Christopher for several years, Shane was asked to lay down backing vocals on Christopher’s “Love, Hope, Faith” CD.  A few years later he appeared again on the “Breakfast in the Sunroom” CD. He had become Christopher’s regular right hand man, performing with most of the various projects that Christopher would put together. 

During this time, Jimmy began playing with Christopher on a regular basis again as well.  However, this time they were both performing as back line members of their common denominator, We Five. 

Here is where Christopher and Jimmy’s two paths truly merged again.  Christopher was scheduled to perform for the “Breakfast in the Sunroom” CD release party at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Alta Dena California. However, a series of events left him short handed for a backing band.  Since Jimmy and Robin had performed on the “Breakfast in the Sunroom” CD, Christopher called Jimmy for a favor.  “Would you and Robin be interested in driving out across the desert to Los Angeles to play at the “Breakfast in the Sunroom” CD release party?”  Well of course, the answer was yes.  By all accounts, it turned out to be a magical performance. 

This prompted the question by Jimmy to Christopher: “If Robin and I move back to L.A. can we do some more of this?” The answer was also a quick yes. The vision from so many years ago was back in play.

 It seemed that things were rolling now. However, as soon as things really started moving a scheduling conflict caused Shane to miss the initial set of new recordings. So, Christopher, Jimmy, and Robin collaborated to release the next Christopher Burgan CD, “Winterscapes.”

Still desiring the dynamics of a band, everyone involved resolved that the next time around Shane would be there. And so it is. With the full band in place, the follow up Christopher Burgan solo effort morphed into what we now have: The Tannins.