Let's have more on Clarence Shaw

Exercised by something in jazz? Write to the Editor at editor@jazzjournal.co.uk and be considered for publication here and in our print edition

Let's have more on Clarence Shaw

Gene Shaw Breakthrough Reader Dave Taylor trumpets the work of Clarence Shaw

The underrated trumpeter Clarence Shaw is probably best known for his excellent work with Charles Mingus in the 1950s but he also recorded a few LPs under the name of Gene Shaw in the early 60s.

Thanks to the help of Shaw's discographer, Bob Weir (compiler of the Jazz Information column in Jazz Journal), I was able to track down a recent CD reissue of his little known 1962 quintet session Breakthrough (Dusty Groove DGA 3015).

I don't think JJ has ever reviewed this inventive and soulful hard bop album which should be enjoyed by anyone who appreciated Shaw's beautiful playing on Mingus's 1957 classic, Tijuana Moods (RCA Victor).

A JJ article on Clarence Gene Shaw sometime would be most welcome.

(Any Shaw specialists out there who might answer Dave's call? - MG)

25 April 2011

Your Comments:

Posted by sLsM, 13 June 2012, 10:47 (1 of 2)

Hello Mr. Taylor, I came across your post in the Jazz Journal and thought I'd respond. I agree with you completely, underrated AND excellent! But I am biased, so it doesn't count. I am one of Gene's daughters and I think he was a really interesting and unusual man along side his music. If you'd like to take a look, I have put together a tribute/remembrance/history about him on Squidoo, it's here: http://www.squidoo.com/Gene-Shaw There is an vintage interview of Gene from Downbeat magazine you can download there as well. Thanks for remembering the "old man!" :) sLsM

Posted by Paul Dinnage, 30 November 2012, 20:02 (2 of 2)

Nobody who has heard Gene Shaw on record will ever forget his sound. Recently saw the sextet album "Debut In Blues" as a download on iTunes entitled "HiFi Hits". Don't know if it is available on CD but at least the music is available again. I hope Gene's family receive some benefit!