Ian Shaw's Theory Of Joy

Vocalist Ian Shaw is to release a new album ‘The Theory Of Joy’on February 12th. Described as, “a collection of inspirational pop-structured songs, including extraordinary new takes on Bowie, Lionel Bart, Jacques Brel, Joni Mitchell, Mel Tormé and even the seminal Traffic.” Reflecting the nature of the man it is hopeful, questioning, politicised and honest. Shaw has made news recently with his humanitarian missions to ‘The Jungle’ in Calais, helping those stuck in the immigration Cul-de-sac on the French coast.

On his latest album Shaw has arranged all of the songs and also written three original compositions of his own, songs of happy musical memories, emotions and possibilities. 

‘All This And Betty Too’ recounts his early days with his great friend Claire Martin, in Ronnie Scott's listening to Betty Carter. ‘Somewhere Towards Love’ re-works a song that featured on his album of the same name and ‘My Brother’ tells the story of Ian's brother, Gareth who died before Ian was born.

Tomorrow night, Thursday January 21st sees Ian Shaw play London’s Pizza Express Jazz Club with his Trio, continuing there on Friday 22nd with “Barker and Shaw at the movies” featuring trumpeter Guy Barker.

On Saturday January 23rd he plays both a lunch time session with Peter Ind, young guitarist David Preston and trumpeter Miguel Gorodi and in the evening with Italian trumpeter Fabrizio Bosso and pianist Julian Mazzariello. His tenure at Pizza Express finishes with a big night featuring The London Gay Big Band on Sunday January 24th.

Listen to Ian Shaw presenting The Ronnie Scott’s Radio Show on Saturday at 6pm on Jazz FM.