Musician Bobby Shrew began playing music at an early age.
At eight he started playing guitar and started learning trumpet at age 10.
By the time he was 13 he was playing music at dances in his hometown of Albuquerque, N.M.
In 1972 he moved to Los Angeles and spent time playing with bands such as Art Pepper, Horace Silver Quintet and others.
His album Outstanding in his Field was nominated for a Grammy in 1980 and his album Heavy Company was awarded Jazz Album of the Year by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand in 1983.
Shrew performs at Malaspina Theatre, located at Vancouver Island University, with the 18-piece VIU band Wednesday (March 30) from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 or $10 for students and are available at Fascinating Rhythm or the Queen’s.