By: Rudy Lu

Pianist Lee Shaw played with, influenced and taught many players from the 518 and beyond. Her piano playing was recognized more abroad than here and one pupil John Medeski went far beyond acoustic Jazz and is now a keyboardist famous for his imaginative playing in the fusion/funk realm.

She was honored by a collection of veteran Jazz musicians, former students and students that received scholarships from her memorial fund.

The afternoon’s concert was sponsored by A Place For Jazz, and underwritten by Joel Blumenthal.

Bill McCann emceed the event. All proceeds benefitted both the Lee Shaw and A Place For Jazz scholarship funds for SUNY Schenectady Music students.

The music was preceded an excerpt of the Susan Robbins 2015 documentary on Lee Shaw.

The scholarship recipients opened the concert with music arranged by Peggy Delaney. Some have played together but some have not . The age ranged from still in college or having just started their careers.The nervousness was somewhat eased by Peggy Delaney yelling “Have fun”.

And have fun they did. The six young musicians were led by trumpeter band leader Dylan Canterbury through a series of Lee Shaw originals all melodic and well played.

The second set of the concert featured veterans of the Jazz scene and included a former student of hers who is now in NYC, Nick Hetko.

Longtime bass player emceed this portion of the program. He told many stories of his 24 year association with Lee. Jeff Siegel her final drummer joined along with pianist Dave Gleason and well known guitarist Mike DeMicco, The afternoon ended with a jam session.

A fitting tribute to this little giant of a piano player (she was often seated at the piano with a cushion). She will still be remembered as a musical giant with or without her cushion she sat on.

Lee Shaw Scholarship Award Winners Ensemble

Lee Shaw All Stars