REED ALL ABOUT IT!
SHAW BIZ WITH THE ANDERSON TWINS

When jazz musicians of the current generation explore and embrace the repertoire of stars of the past, it can be an enjoyably educational experience. Such was the case when, along with four fine colleagues, Peter and Will Anderson turned their attention to bandleader Artie Shaw at Birdland on July 5. In considering the considerable number of figures who played and helmed groups in the big band era, in the glory days of the 1930s and ’40s, Shaw is a natural choice since he was a master of the clarinet, which is one of the instruments both brothers play. And, since the musical icon had dipped into a range of styles and sounds, composing some intriguing work himself, the Birdland presentation boasted similar variety, versatility, and verve.

The energy and good vibes were in full evidence from the start through the finale of The Anderson Brothers Play Artie Shaw—when the brothers led a classic written by two other brothers, the legendary Gershwins, “Oh, Lady Be Good!” Other selections included two Cole Porter evergreens, “What Is This Thing Called Love?” and, as expected, “Begin the Beguine.” The latter was a smash hit for Shaw, one he came to resent having to play show after show, year after year. By all accounts, he was indeed a restless, easily bored fellow who would rather experiment and change things instead of resting on his laurels and basking in past success or sticking with the same musicians and instrumentation in groups he led. He’d break up one band and form another and then yet another. He announced that he was giving it all up early on, but then reconsidered and reluctantly returned with revised musical plans. There are stories about him simply walking off the stage and even leaving the building (and the country) before the end of a set, leaving the other musicians to carry on without him.

Peter Anderson (left) and Will Anderson (right). Photo: Symphony Space

Shaw gave up the clarinet for good in 1955, at the age of 45, although he lived to the ripe old age of 94. For years, he resisted returning to music; he did notably come back in the 1980s, but just as a conductor. He turned his attention to writing and other interests. You could say that Shaw’s restlessness was also reflected in his romantic life: He was married eight times! His wives included the daughter of iconic composer Jerome Kern and movie stars Lana Turner and Ava Gardner. Some of these personal and professional facts were mentioned in the between-songs patter, adding interest.

Other tunes in the program with the strongest connection to the tributee were the dramatic Shaw theme “Nightmare” (one of his own compositions), the frisky “Frenesi,” and the giant standard which has been recorded voluminously, “Stardust.” Interestingly, two versions are in the Grammy Hall of Fame: one by its composer, Hoagy Carmichael, and the other by—you guessed it—Artie Shaw.

It was a fun, swinging set with the brothers, who are identical twins, impressive on their clarinets and saxophones—and Will also plays the flute wonderfully. They were in good company, with superb sounds supplied by pianist Jeb Patton, bassist Paul Gill, drummer Chuck Redd, and trumpeter Mike Davis. (Will will be back at Birdland every Saturday in August, leading shows billed as Pete Anderson and Friends, with different partners, including friend/sibling Peter on August 2 and trumpeter Davis on August 23.) The strong songbook and art of Artie were powerfully remembered and revisited by this top-notch group.

The Anderson Brothers Play Artie Shaw
Birdland Theater, 315 West 44th St
played July 4-6, 2025
reviewed on July 5, 2025
for more info and other dates, visit The Anderson Brothers