Louis Stewart (guitarist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louis Stewart
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| Background information | |
| Born | 5 January 1944 Waterford, Ireland |
| Died | 20 August 2016 (aged 72) Harold's Cross, Dublin, Ireland |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar |
Louis Stewart (born January 5, 1944 – died August 20, 2016) was an amazing Irish jazz guitarist. He was known around the world for his incredible talent. Louis made music that touched many people. He played with some of the biggest names in jazz.
Contents
Life and Music Career
Early Life and Start in Music
Louis Stewart was born in Waterford, Ireland. He grew up in the city of Dublin. When he was thirteen, Louis started playing the guitar. He was inspired by famous guitarists like Les Paul and Barney Kessel. Louis began his professional music journey playing in Dublin showbands.
Becoming a Jazz Star
In 1968, Louis won a special award. He was named the most outstanding solo musician at the Montreux Jazz Festival. This was a big achievement! Soon after, he spent three years playing with the legendary musician Benny Goodman.
Louis recorded his first album, Louis the First, in Dublin. He then recorded more music in London. He worked with many talented musicians like Billy Higgins and Sam Jones.
Touring and Recording
From the mid-1970s, Louis played with George Shearing. They toured all over the world, including America and Brazil. They also played at many European music festivals. Louis recorded eight albums with George Shearing. Some of these were with a fantastic trio. It included Shearing and the Danish bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen.
Louis also appeared on albums by other jazz greats. These included Joe Williams and J. J. Johnson. He worked with many other famous jazz musicians too.
What People Said About Louis
In 1981, The New York Times newspaper wrote about Louis. They said he played with "unhurried grace." They also mentioned his "sudden bright, lively chorded phrases." This means his music was smooth and beautiful, with exciting bursts of sound.
Louis was even featured in a book called The History Of The Guitar In Jazz. This book talked about him as one of the best guitarists of his time. He was listed alongside other masters like Jim Hall and George Benson. The music website AllMusic said, "Louis Stewart is one of the all-time greats."
Honors and Awards
In 1998, Louis received a special honor. He got an honorary doctorate from Trinity College in Dublin. This was a recognition of his amazing musical contributions.
In 2009, Louis was chosen to join Aosdána. This is a special Irish group. It honors people who have made outstanding contributions to arts in Ireland.
Later Years
In 2015, Louis Stewart was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away on August 20, 2016. He was 72 years old. Louis died in Harold's Cross, Dublin. His music continues to inspire many people.
Discography
As leader
- Louis the First (Hawk, 1975)
- Baubles, Bangles and Beads with Peter Ind (Wave, 1975)
- Out on His Own (Livia, 1976)
- Milesian Source (Pye, 1977)
- Drums And Friends (Livia, 1978)
- Alone Together with Brian Dunning (Livia, 1979)
- I Thought About You (Livia, 1979)
- Louis Stewart and the Red Lion Trio (Decibelle, France, 1980)
- Acoustic Guitar Duets (Super Sessions) with Martin Taylor (Jardis, 1985)
- Good News (Villa, 1986)
- String Time (Villa, 1988/1990)
- Serious Jazz (Livia, 1989)
- Winter Song with Heiner Franz (Jardis, 1990)
- In a Mellow Tone with Heiner Franz (Jardis, 1992)
- Louis Stewart Quartet (feat. Michael Moore) (Cecilia, 1992)
- Joycenotes (Villa, 1993)
- Overdrive (Hep, 1993)
- I Wished On the Moon with Heiner Franz (Jardis, 1999)
- GIFT(w/Bill Charlap) (Ashbrown, 2000)
- Street of Dreams with Heiner Franz (Jardis, 2001)
- Road Song (Villa, 2002?)
- Core Business with Egil Kapstad, Terje Venaas, Eyvind Olsen (Villa, 2004)
- Angel Eyes (Blau, 2006)
- You've Changed w/Frank Harrison Trio (Desert Island, 2007)
- Tunes (Beechpark, 2013)
- Live in London (Blau, 2016)
As sideman
With Tubby Hayes (1968–69)
- England's Late Jazz Great (IAJRC, released 1987)
- 200% Proof (Master Mix, released 1992)
- Rumpus Savage (Solweig, released 2015)
- The Syndicate: Live at the Hopbine 1968 Vol.1 (Gearbox, released 2015)
- Grits, Beans and Greens (Fontana, released 2019)
With George Shearing
- Windows (MPS, 1977)
- 500 Miles High (MPS, 1977)
- Getting in the Swing of Things (MPS, 1979)
- On Target (MPS, 1980)
- How Beautiful Is Night (Telarc, 1992)
- That Shearing Sound (Telarc, 1994)
- Paper Moon (Telarc, 1995)
With others
- Agnes Bernelle, Bernelle On Brecht and... (Midnite Music, 1977)
- Cafe Society, Cafe Society (Konk, 1975)
- Mary Coughlan, Long Honeymoon (Evangeline, 2001)
- Laila Dalseth, Daydreams (Hot Club/Gemini, 1984)
- Kevin Dean, Venous Lake (Gemini, 1998)
- Jim Doherty, Spondance (Livia, 1986)
- Yvonne Elliman, Yvonne Elliman (Decca, 1972)
- Benny Goodman, Benny Goodman in Concert (Decca, 1971)
- London Jazz Chamber Group/Ken Moule, Adam's Rib Suite (Ember, 1970)
- J. J. Johnson, Robert Farnon, Tangence (Gitanes, 1994)
- Len McCarthy Len McCarthy & The Guinness Jazz All-Stars (Livia, 1986)
- Maurice Meunier (clarinette), Louis Stewart (guitar), Michel Gaudry (contrebasse), ’’Paris - Dublin'’ (Bloomdido, France, 1986)
- Doug Raney, Heiner Franz, Maarten Van Der Grinten, Frederic Sylvestre, The European Jazz Guitar Orchestra (Jardis, 1993)
- Spike Robinson, Three for the Road (Hep, 1989)
- Spike Robinson, A Real Corker (Capri, 1991)
- Dickie Rock, Just for Old Times Sake (Jewel, 1982)
- Ronnie Scott, Serious Gold (Pye, 1977)
- Clark Terry, At the Montreux Jazz Festival (Polydor, 1970)
- Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar (MCA, 1970)
- Joe Williams, Here's to Life (Telarc, 1993)
