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, Alex Weeks, Linden Jay (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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