1972 · Album
Song of Songs
Recorded 1972 · Contemporary · Produced by Information not verified
Shaw's Second Statement: Song of Songs
A sharp, confident second album that shows Shaw already finding his own voice on trumpet.
By 1972, Woody Shaw had something to prove. Song of Songs, recorded for Contemporary, is the sound of a young trumpeter settling into his own ideas. Shaw had already played in some serious groups — he'd worked with Eric Dolphy and others — but this was about staking out territory that was distinctly his.
What you get here is a working band playing with clear intent. Shaw's trumpet tone is bright and direct, no excess vibrato, and he's interested in exploring what his horn can do within a melody rather than just burning through changes. The band locks in around him without fuss. It's the kind of record where everything serves the song rather than the other way around. Nothing here feels like Shaw is showing off, which actually makes the technical stuff he does pull harder.
In Shaw's catalog, this sits right after his debut — it's where you can hear him getting more comfortable, more himself. Not yet the major statement he'd make later, but honestly worth hearing if you're following his trajectory. This is solid, professional work from a musician still in his twenties, and it holds up fine if you're just curious about what Shaw sounded like when he was hungry and focused.
Who's playing
Henry Franklindouble bass
George Cablespiano
Manny Boydsaxophone
Ramon Morristenor saxophone
Bennie Maupintenor saxophone
Woody Shawtrumpet
Woodrow Theus IIdrums
Where next?
More by Woody Shaw
All 36 albums →
The musicians on this record
Their own records, close in time
