Angelo Shaw is an anointed saxophonist who has performed musically in the United States at various events and social gatherings. His music appeals to all demographics - from small intimate settings to programs with thousands of guests. His renditions of Gospel, Hymns, Praise and Worship songs, Jazz, and Love Ballads have blessed thousands.
Angelo has always had a passion for music. His first music experience was in grade school when his father bought him a pair of bongos. He played them in church and at school recitals. He eventually started playing the drums in church and in the middle school band. One day his band teacher offered for him to play a wind instrument. It was not the saxophone; it was the bassoon. After playing the bassoon for a couple of months in the 7 grade, Angelo requested to play the saxophone because he liked the way it sounded. His band teacher was thrilled. Angelo took the saxophone home and immediately started playing songs by ear.
Angelo began studying jazz during the summer after his 7 grade year. His parents were very religious and banned jazz from their house altogether. Angelo would go on to practice jazz when his parents were not home. He was often told to play songs like “Amazing Grace” and “When the Saints Go Marching IN” the way they were written and not to jazz them up too much. Angelo secretly attended the St. Louis Honors Music program during the summers of his 7 and 8 grade years at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School where he studied jazz and classical styles under the late O’Hare Spearman. Spearman compared Angelo’s sound to that of saxophone great Sunny Stitt. He performed with some of the top high school students in the St. Louis Public School District. Angelo’s grandfather, the late Howard Thomas, bought him his first saxophone during his 8 grade year; under one condition, that he would never stop playing the saxophone. Angelo continued to play the saxophone in high school (Sumner and Eureka High). He played at church programs, weddings, funerals, and school programs throughout high School.
Angelo continued to play the saxophone at Monmouth College where he graduated with a B.A. in communications. He performed around the Illinois area at weddings and jazz bars and became very popular. So far, he has kept his promise to his grandfather.
Angelo has performed at hundreds of programs (United Way events, Arts & Education, St. Louis Public Schools, AGA Conference, Christian Assembly Conference, Bishop Dwight McDaniels funeral, weddings, retirement celebrations, baby showers, and many other events. Angelo has also performed with various bands and recorded with many artists from all genres of music. Angelo performs at banquets as a one man band as he provides music for up to 2 hours.
Angelo is currently working on his first CD where he promises there will be something on it for of all generations to enjoy.
