Shaun England used five words to describe his music: kind of rough, pretty pure.

Rock with a twist of jazz, England's music has roots in his rock band background and his years of playing jazz in the New York circuit.

For England, one of the most exciting things about being a musician is seeing how far his music reaches people.

"When you find out you've been played in another country or anytime I've been on the radio, that's really special," he said.

England, though English-born, has lived in Wareham for 20 years and has been writing his own music for a decade now.

At 12 years old, England began playing in a band at school parties and dances for his friends.

As a young adult, he took a shot at playing jazz and blues in New York and met talents like Mike Turk during his years there.

He used to be a musician for a living but changed his career path when he started a family. Still, writing and recording songs holds a place in his life.

He now plays shows all over New England, including Wareham's own Buzzards Play Productions and most recently The Spire Center in Plymouth. He is currently recording a CD with saxophonist Dino Govoni.

“I've known who he was for years,” said England, who was grateful for the opportunity to work with Govoni.

England writes all of the music and said his inspirations come from historical events, literature, and his own life experiences.

One of England and Govoni's collaborations, “Dust Bowl,” describes the story of a farmer who got nothing but dust when he signed up to own a farm. Another, called “Dorothy's Crying,” is based off the Wizard of Oz.

To hear his music, check out his website at www.shaunenglandmusic.com or www.reverbnation.com/shaunengland.