Sahib Shihab

American jazz saxophonist (mainly baritone, but also alto and soprano) and flutist.

Born June 23, 1925 in Savannah, Georgia

Died October 24, 1989 in Nashville, Tennessee

Originally self-taught on the alto sax. Later studied at the Boston Conservatory. Changed his name on conversion to Islam in 1947. In the US, Shihab performed with musicians including Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey and Dizzy Gillespie (it was Gillespie who asked him to take up baritone sax), before joining the Quincy Jones Big Band. With Jones, Shihab traveled to Europe, where he remained until 1986.

Sahib Shihab recorded several albums as leader during this period. His two albums for the German label Vogue (Seeds and Companionship) are regarded especially highly amongst fans of stylish modern jazz. Many of his releases have never been reissued. Shihab was a long-time member of the Clarke-Boland Big Band, with whom he recorded between 1963 and 1972.