Orphy Robinson & The Nu Savanna: London Jazz Festival: 25/11/10

Just finished doing the London Jazz Festival with Orphy Robinson & The Nu Savanna and it was a blast! This is what music should always be like, Good vibes, Good people, Good music.

Our first performance was a secret gig at the Maverik Showroom, an art gallery based in Shorditch showcasing photos from the iconic magazine “Straight No Chaser”.

Our second performance was at The Forge in Camden, the audience knew we had something special to offer because tickets were sold out days before the show.

The sound of this collective is evolving and spreading very quickly, listen out for the sounds of Orphy Robinson & The Nu Savanna!

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Chantelle Nandi new E.P “In Flight” : 03/11/10

At last! The moment I’ve been waiting for is here! Chantelle Nandi’s E.P “In Flight” is finished and sounding amazing. From “My Blues,” a song laced in the sounds of soul and negro spirituals to the psychedelic funk of “Calling” Chantelle Nandi’s E.P has all the ingredients needed to create a classic album.

The element of live music added by the soulful hip hop collective “Descendants of a Quest”, gives Chantelle’s E.P a level of class that is arguably missing in the world of modern music today, I believe her sound will inspire others to bring back the one thing the machines are still trying to get right, the sound and feel of people playing music they truly enjoy.

Chantelle Nandi is one to watch out for, she’s got something fresh to offer, and brings it to the table with flavour.

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New works by Okai Collier Company : 10/10/10
For the last year I have been working closely with theatre producer and writer Simon James Colliar.

Stairway to Heaven
My most recent work with Simon has taken me back in time, firstly to Cheops’ Pyramid. Egypt 2700 B.C the biggest and most dangerous construction site the world has ever known. A young worker by the name of Makhton has dreams full of ghosts of dead workmates and visions of Amun Ra the sun god. Something strange is happening just out of sight, on the higher ledges of the pyramid, where the workers are never allowed. Where does this stairway really lead?

Bloodline
After that I was thrown into the 15 century during the most turbulent years of the wars of religion in which thousands where slaughtered. Queen Elizabeth had created the first secret service; Bess of Hardwick was the first woman to Bloodline is a story of three people thrown together who find respect and love amidst a treachery of which they were all knowingly a part.

Bloodline looks at how the future of England relied on just two people, whose actions shaped Europe for generations to come.

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BC Jam got me up front and on the mic : 12/09/10

BC Jam aka Black Cherry Jam formed in 2007, led by Matt Branton, a bass player (gotta plug my fellow bassists) and writer producer who writes and co-writes all of the music.
The recordings feature various vocalists including myself and new soul/reggae singer Kadijah. The first release “Cheeky Wicked Girl”, was released on October 30th 2009 as a physical release, and 2nd of December digitally.

The track was produced by Toby Ioi and co-produced by Dave Burnham who has worked with the likes of Primal Scream and Faithless. The video was co-produced by Simon Poontip who produced videos for Bjork in the 90s.

It’s good to be up front and on the mic again, next year begins our European tour!

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Hackney Harlem Theatre Company
Hackney Empire London, Harlem New York, Edinburgh Festival
…where next? : 31/08/10

Now where do I start with this one??
Firstly, I am apart of the Hackney Harlem theatre company. The company consists of dancers, actors and musicians. I work with HH as an actor-musician playing bass, synth bass, guitar and percussion.

Secondly, I’m the assistant musical director for the company (this means that when Orphy Robinson isn’t around, I take over). When we were in Harlem New York and the following year in Edinburgh it was my job to keep the music tight!

Thirdly, the cast happens to be made up of a mixture some of the most amazing talents who are also some of my closest friends. We’ve grown together over the last seven years and are now all at a stage where we can work in the world of entertainment full time.

The first year we done a run of the show it lasted for two weeks at the Hackney Empire, the reception from the audience was positive, they loved it and it was from here that we began to build a following.

The second year we done a run of the show it lasted for one week at the National Black Theatre in Harlem New York, tougher crowd, out of our comfort zone and time to upgrade the show, bigger songs, refined scenes (and me doing a very sharp three-way tango). The experience changed a lot of us, this was the year Michael Jackson passed away and during Harlem Festival (which was in full swing when we arrived) we all saw the influence one person had made on the lives of so many through entertainment.

“This will always be my favourite memory (picture above), eating popeyes chicken and biscuits at the Harlem festival while watching “the wiz” on a massive out door cinema screen with the whole company and the rest of Harlem.”

The third year (just gone) we were up in Scotland as apart of the Fringe festival, our run was for the whole month of the Fringe, during that time we built up an reputation for ourselves as the show to go and see, this produced some amazing reviews. (below)

“It is hard to put into words the energy, passion and talent that pours from every nuance of the show. You must go and see the performance for over an hour of solid entertainment that will reveal much about Shakespeare’s comedy, and even more about the beautiful creativity of our own society.” – Broadway baby ****

“This production is about as faithful to the story as you can get within this genre. There is rarely a moment when we are not engaged. It’s no wonder that this is such a successful company and production.” – British theatre guide *****

“By the end of the show, the audience were on their feet in standing ovation; I only wish all Shakespeare were this fun.” – Fringe Guru ****

“slick beats, slicker dance moves and a healthy sprinkling of urban fairy dust.” – Three Weeks ****

For our fourth year…. Who knows, there have been interest from companies in India, Australia Europe and America. The only thing I can guarantee is that we’ll keep getting better.

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My first double bass: 22/07/10

Inspired by a conversation with Jean Toussaint and Cleveland Watkiss at the Wynton Marsalis after party about the importance of learning double bass as well as electric bass I saved up and bought myself a double bass.

I went to meet Gary Crosby at Twaites (an established family firm that have maintained and supplied some of the finest Double basses to players and orchestras around the world) to go and collect my bass, I try it out and man am I happy with it!

I ask the shop owner to take a picture of me and Gary with my new bass as we get ready, bassist Dill Katz walks in! So now I get a picture in Twaites with Gary Cosby and Dill Katz … can’t complain.

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World Music Live (my new residency with the hackney empire) : 18/07/10

It’s been over a year since my residency with the Southbank Centre ended and since then a lot has happened, but now I have a new home, a residency with the Hackney Empire who have given me the title “Associate Artist” which offers new opportunities and a blank page for new creative ideas.

The first being “World Music Live”. I produced an event for the Hackney Empire’s main stage presenting the freshest emerging bands, artists and DJs on the London world music scene.

I decided to develop an improvisational piece inspired by interviews of Fela Kuti, Bob Marley and Tupac Shakur. The piece was in three movements and featured and array of artists including: vocalist Chantelle Nandi, dancer/choreographer Delycia Belgrave and Tabla player and percussionist Camilo Tirado. The work that was shaped by these artists displayed improvisation and creativity in a way that was natural and organic.

Keep an eye for more future developments between myself and the Hackney Empire.

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From a Young Jazz Musician (letters from the soul) : 22/06/10

Firstly, yes this is me with Wyton Marsalis at his after party after being asked to produce a pre-show for his performance at the Hackney Empire. Secondly, who is Wynton Marsalis you ask ?

…. Wynton is an internationally acclaimed musician, composer, bandleader, educator and a leading advocate of American culture. He is the world’s first jazz artist to perform and compose across the full jazz spectrum from its New Orleans roots to bebop to modern jazz. (check him out)

I was inspired to call the pre-show “From a young Jazz musician, letters from the soul” after reading Wyntons book “To a young Jazz musician, letters from the road”. I took some London’s up and coming artists and gave them a stage, the only condition was that they had to do their own version of at least one Wynton song. Artists included Jessica Symonds, Tomorrow’s Warriors Biggish Band, Junk myself headlined by Chantelle Nandi and a Jam session that saw the likes of Benet Mclean, Abram Wilson, Jessica Lauren and many more take to the stage. The vibe was wicked, the acts were inspiring and the networking was between musicians was promising (I hope to see some collaborations soon!).

The after party was like being in Jazz heaven! Everyone was there, Jean Toussaint, Cleveland Watkiss, Julian Joseph, Gary Crosby, Byron Wallen to name a few.
I got to hang with Wynton for a while and as great as he is… he was just chilled, he wanted to know more about me and what I did than talk about himself. We spoke about jazz, funk, classical music, the importance of the blues methods of practise.
At the end of the night I went home with an even greater respect for jazz and a determination to get my skills together and put myself in a position where I’d meet Wynton again.

NYC I’ll be back!

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They are “Savanna” we are “Orphy Robinson & The Nu Savanna” :20/06/10

Savanna came together in 1979, The nucleus of the band was Orphy Robinson (Vibes, Keyboards and trumpet) Bassist Raymond Graham Jacobs (sammy), and Jeffry Durrant (Drums and percussion).

The band went through a few changes before deciding on the final member, Guitarist Leroy Osbourne. The new Quartet spent 18 months writing, rehearsing and doing local shows to try out material before starting to establish a sound and style of their own.
The Savanna sound differed due to their use of the vibraphone as a dominant voice in the music, Leroy brought other ideas to the Group revealing a voice influenced by vocal giants such as Donny Hathaway, Stevie wonder and Sam Cooke. Savanna decided to start basing music around his vocals and a demo was recorded at Hollywood Studios which led to Savanna being offered a recording deal from independent Record label R&B Records.

The first single “I can’t turn away went No 1in the Dance music charts. In 1982 the Second single “Never let you go” also went straight to the top of the dance charts however in 1983 Savanna decided to disband.

Now… a welcome return to the UK concert scene, Orphy joins together a new and cutting edge band, mixing his ever eclectic Jazz sound with a large slice of his funkier side.

27 years later Orphy has now formed “The Nu Savanna” who were launched successfully at this years Summer Soulstice Festival in June. The band drew an ecstatic response from festival goers, delivering a fresh eclectic and exciting individual new sound while showcasing some of the best musicians on the UK scene such as rising stars bassist Renell Shaw (ME!), the brilliant singer Chantelle Nandi, vocalist Richard Anthony Davis and the fabulous keyboard player Jessica Lauren.

This is a must see band if you like your Jazz sizzling and your Funk hot, “The Nu Savanna” will be performing at the Forge in Camden as a part of the London Jazz Festival.

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the AFTERSHOCK to EAR and finally … TAKEOVER
(just a quick catch up for those who didn’t know):05/06/10

 

Aftershock was a project I was selected to be apart of by Multi-instrumentalist Nitin Sawhney. During this time I collaborated with some of the best new artiest in London from all genres of music e.g Riz Mc, Aruba Red, Nathan ‘flutebox’ Lee, Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Iron Braydz, Catherine AD, Yemisi Blake and Sam Carter to name a few. This was also the time when I began to realise that I had to put in some serious work if I wanted to become one of the best, these guys kept me on my toes but the diversity between them allowed me to explore different styles of music.

At the End of Aftershock we were given a residency with the Southbank centre we were known as the “Emerging artists in Residence” or “EAR’s”, this was the first time (in a long time) that I was able to explore my creative side and have a place to showcase that work, I was involved in: orchestration, choral work, London philharmonic orchestra and the London school of samba.

As our Residency came to an end, the Southbank centre decided we should go out would be with a bang! This was the birth of our final show together, “TAKEOVER”.
During this process we were supported by Award winning Jazz musician and producer Jason Yarde who helped us bring everything we’d experienced during our residency together for one final show.

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Natalie May @ I Luv Live: 24/05/10

On the 24th of may I found myself playing bass for the super talented Natalie May at "I Luv Live" (MTV Base, BBC 1Xtra).

The night has showcased artists as diverse and well established as Kano, Omar, Taio Cruz, Bashy, Chipmunk, Tinchy Stryder, Ndubz, Donaeo, DJ Ironik, Natty, Sway, Shystie.

The crowd was on fire and the energy was amazing, Natalie is definitely one to watch out for in the future.
check out her video “Sexy Sexy” (below) and enjoy the good vibes.

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The Sessions: pt 1
Throughout the years I have worked as a session musician for many artists, my work has allowed me to share the stage with names such as: Omar, BLACKstreet, Jagged Edge, Massive Attack, Foxy Brown, Jazzie B and Deniece Williams to name a few.

As work has progressed I’ve not only been called upon as a session musician but as a Musical Director to arrange music, put together bands and find other musicians/singers to complete bands for artists.

As a result I have built up a collective of musicians, singers, composers and songwriters who cover all styles of music, watch out for the collective I bring to the stage, all of them are first-class musicians/vocalists in their own right.

Here’s a few names to look out for (if you haven’t heard of them already!): (Vocals) Chantelle Nandi, Enrico Delves. (Guitar) Michael Antoniou, Michael Jablonka. (Keys) Dian Gasper, (Percussion) Camilo Tirado. (Drums) Samson Jatto, Kaz Hussain.

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Jack Bruce Q&A @ the pledge offices: 28/04/10

“When Jack jumped up and landed – that’s when the song stopped. And regardless of what was written on the set list, you followed Jack.” – Jack Bruce, Composing Himself (out now) “got my copy, get yours!”
I was lucky enough to be apart of a great team and lend a hand in setting up the Jack Bruce Q&A produced by good friend and Reggae/Dub songstress Aruba Red. I was also happy to see the return of one of my closest friends, virtuoso drummer Kaz Hussain who had been on tour with the show “Circus India”, it was the first time that the original Aruba Red trio had been in the same room for about half a year.

It was nice to be on the other side of the stage and help set up equipment, sort out seating and arrange lights etc… people never really see that side of what I do (mainly because it’s a behind the scenes job!) but I work as an events producer/stage manager as much as I work as a musician/composer.

As important as it was to get everything together for the event that evening, the musician side of Kaz and I forced us to drop everything and get a picture behind the fender rhodes that would be played by Jack Bruce later on that day.
Before the end of the night, I got to speak to Mr Bruce and I said to him:
“thank you for everything you’ve done for me as a musician,”
his response (very simple bet effictive) was:
“you don’t have to thank me … ever”
what more can I say, Legend.

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Enrico Delves Live E.P @ the Bernie Grant Arts Centre: 28/03/10
MOBO award winner Enrico Delves recorded his live E.P (available now!) at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre. He had a full team of professionals supporting him from film crew and sound team to lighting staff and session musicians.

Enrico Has Performed alongside international stars such as: John Legend, Estelle, Jay Sean and Taio Cruz as well as collaborating with producers that have worked with the like of: Tichy Strider, Chipmunk and Tiny Tempah.

Expect a varity of soulful vocals, sweet chords, grooved up percussion and powerful basslines (from yours trully). Check out Enrico’s myspace (found on my links page) and decide for yourself.

 

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Hello and Welcome to a re-vamped renellshaw.com!
Before we jump into a quick catch up of what I ’ve been doing since the start of 2010 I’d like to say a bigthank you to everyone who has supported me so far, I’ve been introduced to some wonderful people and written loads of beautiful music that will be coming your way very soon.

Endorsements:
The last time we spoke I was in talks with a few companies about possible endorsement deals, well . . . I’m am proud to say that I am now Endorsed by Warwick Amps and Basses, Protection Racket musical instrument cases and S.I.T strings. (when you get some time, check me out on the endorsees page for protection racket and the Artist page for Warwick)
www.protectionracket.co.uk
www.warwick.de/modules/endorser/endorser.php?endorserID=1093&cl=EN

Clothing Sponsors:
I’ve been performing quite a bit recently (like 5 days a week) and have been lucky enough to gain the support of a few independent clothing companies for my solo gigs and for gigs I do with other artists.

THTC (The Hemp Trading Company) is an ethically driven underground clothing label, specialising in eco-friendly, politically-conscious hemp street wear.

D-Visions create a fresh casual feel in today’s urban fashion world, influenced by artistic movements, music, and people’s ambitious visions in life.

WeSC are supa fly so (if it doesn’t confuse you like it did with me) check out the endless well of irreplaceable knowledge and wisdom that they call their website.

Check out the other links too:
www.thtc.co.uk
www.D-visions.co.uk
www.wesc.com

Theatre:
My music has taken me into the world of theatre! I have been working as a composer for The Okai Collier Company of which I have provided music for four of their productions, (more on the way!) here’s a few posters from the shows I’ve done, there website and a little bit about them….

The Okai Collier Company works towards breaking down contemporary social barriers and encouraging new talent by developing a range of projects. These projects include award-winning theatrical productions, opera, projects with young people, exhibitions for new artists, and social investment projects as well as an innovative publishing division.

www.okaicollier.co.uk

Jazz and World Orchestras
Still keen to expand my creativity and strong enough to take a good old beating from musicians who have a thing or two to show me I have built a relationship and began to work with Tomorrows Warriors Jazz orchestra and The Grand Union Orchestra. (bring on the noise!)
www.dune.posterous.com
www.grandunion.org.uk

PEACE
I’ll keep everyone updated on what I’m doing, just make sure you keep coming back! …just to let you know… there’s a musical written by yours truly in the works, a custom made bass on the way, a month in Edinburgh and a documentary of my journey to South Africa 4 years ago in the making.
Stay tuned…

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