Arvell Shaw

Arvell Shaw ( born September 15, 1923 in St. Louis, † 5 December 2002 in Iceland Roosevelt, NY) was an American jazz double bassist, known primarily for his work with Louis Armstrong.

Musical Career

Shaw, who met in high school only trombone and tuba, soon switched to the double bass, with which he made 1938-1941 first experiences in interaction with Fate Marable on the Mississippi steamers. After he served in the early 1940s for three years at the Music Corps of the Navy, he was in 1944 by Louis Armstrong brought his band and became his favorite bass player. He was one of Armstrong's bands, with interruptions, until 1965. Besides Velma Middleton, he was the only musician who was taken over by Louis Armstrong from his big band in the All-Stars and was represented in all the All-Stars formations.

In the years 1951-1952 he studied composition at the Geneva Conservatory. In addition to his involvement with Armstrong Shaw worked with Russ Case (1955 ), Benny Goodman (1958 Europe, 1962 and 1967, Latin America) and over a longer time with Teddy Wilson ( 1957-1958, sometimes even later).

In the musical film High Society Arvell Shaw can be seen in the performances of Armstrong's jazz band.

Following his All-Stars, he played as a sideman for Sidney Bechet, Claude Hopkins, Barney Bigard, Earl Hines, as well as Red Allen, Wild Bill Davison and Herb Hall. He was also active as a teacher and played on college tours as well as at international festivals (1982 with Lionel Hampton and Axel Zwingenberger ) but also with his own groups.

In the 1980s and 1990s he played mainly in formations that the legacy of Louis Armstrong represented ( as Keith Smith's Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong, the Satchmo Legacy band and the Armstrong Alumni Allstars ) with Doc Cheatham, Buddy Tate, Vic Dickenson, André Persiany and others ..

As a bandleader, he published only the recording of a live concert of his band Satchmo Legacy, 1991.

Reception

• Music journalist Martin Kunzler designated Arvell Shaw as a " the most advanced heirs Jimmy Blanton ." He marked ' with rich sound on his instrument the limits of what is technically feasible at the time as Applicable. "He's brilliant ," Louis Armstrong commented on the work of his favorite bass player. "
• Author Hans -Jürgen Winkler cites a concert review of the jazz musician and publicists Hawe Schneider on the guest performance of the Armstrong Band on October 11, 1952 in Frankfurt: " [ ... ] As the long Arvell Shaw " How High the Moon " together pluck, puts to Nordic silence over the arena. Silence and wonder whether such dexterity let the crowd solidify. [ ...] »