The Ma Grinder

Texas Barrrelhouse

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Robert Shaw performs for his 75th birthday at Smitty’s Nightclub in Austin, Texas on August 9, 1982.

Texas barrelhouse legend Robert Shaw learned his style of piano from musicians in Houston during the 1920s as part of the “Santa Fe Circuit” a touring route named for the musicians who utilized Santa Fe freight train lines. Shaw hosted a radio show in Oklahoma City during the early 1930s but did not make any records at the time. He settled down as a grocery store owner in Austin, Texas and finally released his long over due debut album in 1963. Originally titled Texas Barrelhouse Piano the name of the record was changed to The Ma Grinder for reissue to represent a Robert Shaw piano favorite.

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