Charles "Bobo" Shaw facts for kids
Charles Wesley "Bobo" Shaw (born September 5, 1947 – died January 16, 2017) was an amazing American drummer. He was especially known for playing a type of music called free jazz. Bobo Shaw was a very important member of two famous music groups: the Human Arts Ensemble and the Black Artists Group. He was born in a place called Pope, Mississippi, in the United States.
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Bobo's Early Life and Music Journey
Charles "Bobo" Shaw started his musical journey very young. In 1953, he joined the American Woodsman Drummer bugle corp. He also played with the Tom Powel Post American Legion #77. Besides drums, Bobo learned to play the trombone and bass guitar as he grew up. He had great drum teachers like Joe Charles and Elijah Shaw. He also learned from Rich O'Donnel and Bernnie Snyder, who were part of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Starting with the Black Artists Group
In the 1960s, Bobo Shaw helped start a group called the Black Artists Group. This group was based in St. Louis, Missouri. During this time, he played music with many other talented musicians. Some of these included Lester Bowie, Frank Lowe, Hamiet Bluiett, and Oliver Lake.
Playing Music in Europe
Later in the 1960s, Bobo Shaw moved to Europe. He lived in Paris, France, and continued to play music there. He performed with more famous artists like Anthony Braxton, Steve Lacy, Frank Wright, Alan Silva, Michel Portal, and Cecil Taylor. He also played with his friend Frank Lowe again.
Back in St. Louis and the Human Arts Ensemble
After his time in Europe, Bobo Shaw returned to St. Louis. In 1971, he played with Oliver Lake once more. In the 1970s, he became the leader of the Human Arts Ensemble. With this group, he played alongside musicians like Lester Bowie, Joseph Bowie, Julius Hemphill, and David Murray.
In the 1980s, Bobo Shaw played with Billy Bang. He also started trying new things with his music. He mixed styles like new wave and funk into his improvised jam sessions. These sessions were held at different places in New York City.
Later Years
Charles "Bobo" Shaw lived for a long time at Garfield Apartments in St. Louis, Missouri. This place is part of Peter & Paul Community Service. Sadly, his health started to fail. In December 2016, he moved to a nursing care center. Bobo Shaw passed away on January 16, 2017, when he was 69 years old.
Music Bobo Shaw Led
Here are some of the albums where Charles "Bobo" Shaw was the leader:
- Red, Black & Green (1972) with Solidarity Unit, Inc.
- Junk Trap (1978)
- Concere Ntasiah (1978)
- Streets of St. Louis (1978)
- Bugle Boy Bop (1983)
Music Bobo Shaw Played On
Bobo Shaw also played drums on many other artists' albums:
- Billy Bang, The Fire from Within (1985)
- Black Artists Group, In Paris, Aries 1973 (1973)
- Joseph Bowie, Luther Thomas, I Can't Figure Out (Whatcha Doin' to Me) (1979)
- Lester Bowie, Fast Last! (1974)
- Anthony Braxton, Quintet (Basel) 1977 (2001)
- Anthony Braxton, Orchestra (Paris) 1978 (2011)
- Anthony Braxton, Quintet (Moers) 1977 05.30 (2013)
- Defunkt, Defunkt (1980)
- Human Arts Ensemble, Whisper of Dharma (1972)
- Human Arts Ensemble, The Human Arts Ensemble Live (1978)
- Leroy Jenkins/Jazz Composer's Orchestra, For Players Only (1975)
- Oliver Lake, Heavy Spirits (1975)
- Oliver Lake, Ntu: Point from Which Creation Begins (1976)
- Frank Lowe, Fresh (1975)
- Frank Lowe, The Flam (1976)
- Luther Thomas, Funky Donkey Vol. 1 (1977)
- Luther Thomas, Banana (The Lost Session, St. Louis, 1973) (2001)
