Well what do you know… another CD review where Woody Shaw is the trumpet player. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Over the past few months listening to Woody has been an amazing education for me. We won’t even talk about encouragement and inspiration through his sound and reading various articles about him on the Internet. He has quickly risen to the top of my trumpet influence list. While I know that I cannot attempt to play his ideas due to my lack of technique, the experience of getting to know him musically has
really opened my ears in so many ways. One – I embraced the power and authority of the trumpet. Two – I embrace the ring and bright full sound that it can create in the hands of a master. Woody Shaw is truly one of the masters.

Woody Shaw Live Volume III is an amazing CD and a testimate to this great artist and composer. I have always loved the song “Little Red’s Fantasy” but the song “Organ Grinder” is now a true favorite of mine. I can’t count the number of times I have played this song. All of the solos on this cut are incredible (especially Stafford James on bass and Mulgrew Miller on piano).

Woody is trule the star of the show and his solos leave my head spinning as I wonder where this beautiful cat developed such an amazing command of the trumpet and the language by which he communicates. The good news? Late February promises a Woody Shaw Live
Volume IV CD release. I can’t wait.  In the mean time, pick up Volume III to keep your ears occupied and happy.