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His reputation in the southeast is that he is the gentleman who plays two saxophones at once in complete harmony. He is considered to be a phenomenon, smooth, and classy! Richard is said to sound like a human voice through his saxophone melodies.

Can you tell us more about Mr. Richard Shaw

Richard Shaw Jr. was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. He loves to read books, listen to audiobooks, learn new information, travel, and continue to make improvements in his life.

It has been said that at a young age you had a passion for music and knew you wanted to play the saxophone. What was it that sparked that passion that you knew this is for me? 

What sparked the passion was me being exposed to Kenny G over the radio at the age of 10. However, at the age of 11, I witness a young boy who attended my Elementary School play the saxophone live and I noticed how he touched people without touching them physically and I wanted that type of feeling.

Many saxophonists can play the saxophone, but you topped the scale have the ability and breathing techniques to master playing two. Can you tell us why you wanted to learn to play two and how you gained such a powerful technique? 

I witnessed for the first time a gentleman by the name of Jeff Coffin play two saxophones at the same time with a band by the name of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

Are there any other instruments that you learned or mastered playing? Bass Guitar, Clarinet, and EWI. Or would like to? 

Piano.

Double saxophonist playing the popular “Baby Shark”, how did that come about, and do you still get a lot of requests to play it or other children’s songs?

It was at the time my children’s favorite song. They kept asking me daily to play the song and I would never do it until one day I gave in and played it for them and recorded it. I posted it on my social media someone from the news anchor saw it and gave the story to her team and it went on national television. I have a Nursey Rhyme Anthem that I created for children specifically but adults love it just as much.

You released your first CD in 2002, “The Seasons of Life” sold over 5000 copies independently in the first quarter. How did that feel? 

It felt very good to accomplish such a big goal at the time. I was happy! To earn $50,000 as a teenager from cd sales wasn’t so bad.

You have completed your 3rd album, after the amazing success of the 1st and 2nd, what are your expectation for this one, which is entitled “Believe Again”?

My mission and life goal are built off of this Album! My mission is to positively impact the lives of over 1  billion people through music and the message of Believing Again!

With restrictions lifting and life returning to its knowledge, new normal, do you have any appearances, meet and greets, or tours scheduled that you can speak about? 

Yes, I am excited to announce that I will debut for the first time in public playing 3 saxophones in harmony at the same time at St James Live on Thursday, July 29th at 7 pm. The address is 3220 Butner Rd #240 Atlanta Ga 30331.

For individuals that are looking to study, start or even work within your area of expertise, what advice could you provide them?

I would tell them to find someone who is better than them in that particular area of expertise and sit under that person to learn from them. Secondly, I would tell them to never quit. Lastly, be patient with the process and take action.

How can people connect with you and everything you have going on? 

You can connect with me on all social media platforms under Richard Shaw Jr. Also my website.

One question that I love to ask everyone I speak with, what would you like viewers to gain from reading this article?

Gain a sense of awareness about their own goals, dreams, and purpose. I gave up for 7yrs of my career and attempted suicide when I gain that sense of inner peace again and I started to Believe Again things begin to shift in a positive direction. I encourage all viewers to Believe Again! You are in one of three places either you just left needing to Believe Again, or you need to Believe Again now, or you will need to Believe Again in the future.

 

 

 

All images by Jakeem Smith (Lifestyle Images ATL)