Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bobby Shew began playing the trumpet at age ten. By the time he was thirteen he was playing at local dances with a number of bands and by fifteen had put together his own group to play at dances, occasional concerts and in jazz coffee houses. He spent most of his high school days playing as many as six nights a week in a dinner club, giving him an early start to his professional career. As a professional trumpet player Bobby has served as jazz trumpet soloist in the famed NORAD multi-service band and in the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under the direction of Sam Donahue. After his stint with Tommy Dorsey, Bobby played with Woody Herman's band and played for Della Reese and Buddy Rich.

Bobby has played with Big Bands and Pop Star groups in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. He was active with Art Pepper, Bud Shank, Horace Silver Quintet, and many others. He recorded many of his own albums during this time and several of these received very high accolades. One of his albums, 'Outstanding In His Field' was nominated for a Grammy in 1980, while, 'Heavy Company' was awarded the Jazz Album Of The Year in 1983.

Today, in addition to a busy performing and private teaching schedule, Bobby spends a considerable amount of time actively involved in the educational system, conducting clinics and master classes at high schools and college campuses all over the world. Bobby has also been active on the Board of Directors of the International Trumpet Guild, and has acted as National Trumpet Chairman for the International Association of Jazz Educator's for 16 years. He authors numerous articles of educational interest in various trade magazines, all translated into several languages for worldwide distribution. During a period of traveling to New Zealand, Bobby acted as host for a weekly TV show entitled 'Just Jazz' and has been in numerous artist-in-residence appointments.

He continues to tour internationally and to produce and record excellent music. He has released several recent albums for the MAMA Foundation including Playing With Fire (w/Tom Harrell), Heavyweights (w/Carl Fontana), and Salsa Caliente. In addition, for other labels, Bobby has released the highly regarded CD recorded with the The Metropole Orchestra, and a double-CD set for Seabreeze Records of The Music of John Harmon, plus others which can be seen on Bobby’s Web Page.

Bobby has endorsed Yamaha equipment for years and continues to represent Yamaha at many events. He never stops using his remarkable insight, sensitivity and creativity to inspire the next generation of jazz players and teachers.

Musical Instruments