Compiled by Timothy L. Hurley
First published – February 2026
Pages in this Discography:
Woody Herman Shaw, Jr. was born on December 24, 1944. He died on May 10, 1989. He is often considered one of the best jazz trumpet players. He is widely considered one of the most important and influential jazz trumpet players. His knowledge of harmony and melody were revolutionary.
Back in the late 80s and early 90s, I was building my library. I purchased a Dexter Gordon CD, Gotham City. I heard Woody for the first time and was floored with what I had heard. I started heading to the Woody Shaw section in the record stores to pick up whatever I could find. I started asking friends about him to find others who played with him and then look at the back of their albums. Luckily the internet soon came along and I found Todd Poynor’s Woody Shaw discography. This was invaluable. Below are Todd’s credit to those who contributed to his discography (with one additional name):
Todd Poynor’s notes:
Very many thanks to these contributors:
Rob Aries, Ashot W. Bakunts, Harvey Bloomfield, Trina Borras, Jens Brasöy, Thomas Ford Brown, Chet Ciechanowki, William R. Damm, Giancarlo Di Napoli, Jon Dingwall, Gordon H. Fick, Michael Fitzgerald, Michael Frohne, David Gartner, Mark Goldstein, Maxine Gordon, Johann Haidenbauer, Tim Hurley, Patrick Hurley, Don Jordan, Bill Kenz, Vladimir Korovkin, Dietrich Heinz Kraner, Derek Martin, Bob McWilliams, Martin Milgrim, Massimo Nunzi, Ashwin Panemangalore, R. Lynn Rardin, Ronald F. Roberts, Alan Saul, Matt Schofield, Marcel Franck Simon, Masaya Yamaguchi, Jeff Zeitz
… and the whole USENET rec.music.bluenote community.
What is listed here is every recording known to the public. There certainly are some great private recordings “in the can” that might be released in the future. Another “Onkel Po’s” will probably emerge. I will strive to include (and acquire) them as I learn about them Nearly every issue here is in my own personal library. With maybe 2-3 LPs that I haven’t been able to find. I took the advice of Steve Albin and included the original issues. What I have not done is include reissues (other than the ones that I purchased) or listing a compilation LP where one of Woody’s songs may have been included (unless that is the only way to hear that particular recording). When there are more than one release listed. I own the CD version. The LP version details was obtained via Discogs. If anyone would like to take the time to document every release known, I am more than happy to hand the mantle to that person. I am only interested in as complete a discography of Woody Shaw as possible (by whomever that may be).
Lastly, Mike Fitzgerald needs to be credited for his version of Woody’s discography which he got originally from Todd Poynor. Mike then added MANY other sessions. He added a number of private recordings which are hard to find. His attention to detail is admirable.
I personally own nearly every track listed here. I enjoy nearly all of the tracks (there are maybe five tracks that I just haven’t developed a taste for).
Thank you Mr. Shaw for giving us all this wonderful music to enjoy.