151 Unlocking Authentic Creativity: Ivor Novello Award-Winning Composer Renell Shaw on Music, Martial Arts & Finding His True 'Jazz State'

The Good Listening To Show: Stories of Distinction & Genius

Jun 6 2023 • 1 hr 4 mins

What happens when you combine the power of music, visual art, and the lessons learned from martial arts? You’ll find out in our conversation with the extraordinary Renell Shaw, an Ivor Novello award-winning composer, songwriter, and music producer. Renell takes us on a fascinating journey through his life and creative process, revealing how he uses a daily walk to clear his mind and let his music emerge authentically.

You can also Watch Listen to Renell's interview here:

https://vimeo.com/833613312

Renell’s diverse influences, including theatre, martial arts, and mentorships, have not only shaped his personal development but have also played a crucial role in his approach to music. Join us as we discuss "The Windrush Suite", a captivating trilogy in the making, and explore the impact of the Windrush generation on Caribbean families in the 60s. Plus, you'll hear about the unique collaboration between Renell and his wife, as they blend bass and tap dancing in a mesmerizing performance.

As we delve deeper into Renell's creative world, we also discuss the potential of combining music and animation, and the joy of playing music with other musicians. Renell shares his favorite inspirational quote from Einstein and the best piece of advice he's ever received. So grab your headphones and get ready for an insightful and inspiring journey with the remarkable Renell Shaw!

Renell Shaw is a nature lover as well as an extraordinary musician, who has found a way to live his life in balance and in harmony, on a daily basis. He starts each day with a meditative walk and allows the music to reveal itself to him. In earlier days, Renell used to strive to make things happen. Today he trusts in the process that he has developed. It works for him! His grandfather was a trumpet player, who was inspired by Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie. His godfather was an expert in martial arts. His father was a sound engineer. His mother gave him his first Carlos Santana record as a teenager, which inspired Renell to learn to play the guitar, while she continues to provide him with lifelong encouragement. Renell won the Ivor Novello award for his work on the Windrush Suite, which was commissioned before pandemic restrictions changed everybody’s lives. So far Renell has written the first two of a Windrush trilogy - a Griot yet to be completed At the time of this conversation, he is waiting for the music to reveal itself to him. Given his Caribbean family of origin, Renell starts from the enviable position of wanting to express the Windrush story from the inside out rather than the outside in. Quincy Jones provides Renell Shaw with his ideal role model for a multitalented musical career. Collaboration and community are concepts that appeal to Renell, who has his favourite Einstein quote tattooed on his arm:

" We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.