Clarence Shaw

Clarence Eugene Shaw, sometimes credited as Gene Shaw (June 16, 1926 – August 17, 1973) was an American jazz trumpeter and a student of Fourth Way psychology.

Clarence Shaw
Birth nameClarence Eugene Shaw
Also known asGene Shaw
Born(1926-06-16)June 16, 1926
Detroit, Michigan, US
DiedAugust 17, 1973(1973-08-17) (aged 47)
Los Angeles, California, US
GenresJazz
Instrument(s)Trumpet

Early life

Shaw was born in Detroit on June 16, 1926.[1] He played the piano and trombone as a child.[1] He began playing trumpet around 1946 after hearing Dizzy Gillespie's Hot House while recovering from injuries sustained in the army.[1] He attended the Detroit Institute of Music, and studied with pianist Barry Harris.[1]

Later life and career

In Detroit, he played with Lester Young, Wardell Gray, and Lucky Thompson.[1] He moved to New York in 1956 and began playing with Charles Mingus's Jazz Workshop in 1957.[1] Among his credits with Mingus is Tijuana Moods.[1] On East Coasting, Shaw used a Harmon mute, although he was initially wary of using it, given its association with the sound of Miles Davis.[2] Later in 1957 he destroyed his instrument and quit music over a fight with Mingus.[1] He did not return to playing until 1962, after which time he formed his own ensemble.[1] He retired again in 1964 and returned to music once more in 1968.[1] He died in Los Angeles on August 17, 1973.[1] For many years, Gene was an active member of the Chicago Gurdjieff society and a student of Fourth Way psychology, including its music.

Discography

As leader

  • Breakthrough (Argo, 1962)
  • Debut in Blue (Argo, 1963)
  • Carnival Sketches (Argo, 1964)

As sideman

With Charles Mingus

Source:[1]

References

  1. Kennedy, Gary W. (2003), Shaw, Clarence (Eugene) [Gene], Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press, doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.J691500
  2. Werlin, Mark (March 11, 2017). "Charles Mingus and Miles Davis: Changing Moods". AllAboutJazz.
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