EDDIE SHAW IN CONCERT:
Legendary Chicago blues saxophonist Eddie Shaw has been making toes tap with nimble fingers, emotive phrasing, and red-hot solos for more than half a century. In concert Shaw is the consummate showman, introducing each member of his backing band The Wolfgang with sidesplitting anecdotes before they take their solos. For his part, Shaw remains as razor-sharp as ever when it's his time to shine, tearing through epic sax solos with indefatigable gusto and inimitable flair. Whether he’s bringing down the house with beloved blues standards like Junior Wells’ “Little By Little” or making jaws drop with a brilliant improvised solo on the fly, Shaw commands the stage with a mastery that boldly affirms why he’s considered one of the best sax players in the world.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Eddie Shaw was born in Stringtown, MI where he spent his teen years playing sax with local legends like Little Milton and Willie Love. At age 20 he was discovered by Muddy Waters, who invited him to join his Chicago band. Shaw quickly rose to prominence in the city’s jazz scene, and in 1972 he left Waters' band to join Howlin’ Wolf as the leader of his band the Wolf Gang. He was a sought-after session player throughout the ‘70s, and in 1982 he made his solo recording debut with the album Movin’ and Groovin’ Man. A string of critically acclaimed albums followed in the ‘80s and ‘90s, earning him a reputation as one of the best sax players in the world. Over the years he's remained a staple of the Chicago blues scene, performing both solo and with his backing band The Wolfgang. In 2012 Shaw released the aptly titled Still Riding High with the 757 Allstars, a sax-heavy testament to his immense talent and legendary status.
