Peter Shaw & The Blue 56

Peter Shaw - vocals/guitar/flute & sax
Neha Gate – guitar/keyboards & backing vocals
Rory Macartney – bass
Ray Tamaira – drums & backing vocals

Peter is a blues jazz and R&B singer songwriter who has released 3 CD's along with his latest offering, a blues EP with influences from Eric Clapton, JJ Cale and Keb Mo. Peter has a soulful blues and jazz voice that can cover most styles of music. He is a graduate of the Whitireia School of Music and Diploma of Teaching and has been the specialist music teacher at Wainuiomata Intermediate for the last ten years. Peter has played in the Wellington Millennium Festival, the Picton Maritime Festival and in Jackson Street Fiesta’s. His band held three Wellington residencies in 2008 and has just finished a very successful week at the 2009 Nelson Jazzfest.
The Band.
Neha Gate winner of Wellingtons Best Guitarist for 2008, is an exciting young guitarist who has been stunning audiences with his blues and jazz virtuosity. He is a graduate of the Whitireia School of music where he now tutors bands. He has just opened his own recording studio and is showing some considerable skill as a technician and producer.
Rory Macartney is a Wellington NZ School of Music graduate and has played at many jazz festivals including, Whangarei, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Wellington and Queenstown.
Ray Tamaira played with The Billy Lang Jazz Quartet 1998-2000, then had two years with the Roger Fox Big Band and is now in his third year of the Wellington NZ School of Music.
pjshaw@paradise.net.nz (04)5644915 www.petershawmusic.co.nzHi Peter, Neha, Rory & Ray



Caught your set today at NZ Air Corner in Nelson... as if the day wasn't hot enough already, guys ! Got Love is the Only Gold playing as I key this.



I'm an old Brit electric bass player (nice 1980 Sabre...the bass is old - I'm much older than that though...) from way back, and appreciate what makes a good band - and in your case, an excellent band. Rory & Ray - you guys are so tight together, but such free players. Love your latin chops, Ray. You make that nice Stingray 5 really sing, Rory. Enjoyed the few minutes chat we had. Stick together guys - what a rhythm section !



Neha - what can I say... you blew us all away, man. The kind of guitarist that either inspires other players to greater heights, or makes 'em hang up their guitar for good... with not much in between ! You are a master of your chosen instrument and there should be no limits to your horizons.... set them high. A bonus was your tasty harmony vocal work. We missed a few numbers, so wondered if you'd taken a lead vocal or two... if not, give him a go, Peter !



Peter - we knew there was another band up the street and my wife asked if I wanted to check them out. I said, "No, there's no way they'll be better than these guys - we're staying right here". Yours is the kind of band you feel lucky to run into once every 10 years. You have a wonderful empathy and blend of skills - and swing like the finest Swiss watch. Hope you keep enjoying each other's company for quite a while. Love your voices & feel, Peter - whether it's your tonsils, alto, slide or percussion - all smooth as silk...



The album's just finished and I'm about to turn it over (as they used to say). When was it recorded ? Are they all your songs, Peter ? As a sometime lyricist & writer myself, I rate your talents. Write on !



An album of numbers representative of your live set would be an excellent buy for audiences of your gigs - any plans to put any of those tracks down ? Maybe that was the Mississippi Water EP... if so, please turn it into a full CD asap !



Thanks guys. You're a pretty special outfit.



Dave Bruce

Richmond, Nelson