Louis Stewart, Irish jazz guitarist, Died at 72

  Music

Louis Stewart was born on January 5, 1944, and died on August 20,2016.

He was an Irish jazz guitarist.

He his professional career performing in Dublin showbands.

During 1968, Stewart performed at the Montreux International Jazz Festival with Irish pianist Jim Doherty and received the ‘Outstanding European Soloist’ award.

He was subsequently offered a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music, which he turned down.

He started recording as a leader in 1976 with Louis the First.

Louis sidemen included Sam Jones, Billy Higgins, Peter Ind, Red Mitchell and Spike Robinson.

During the late 1970s he began working with George Shearing, touring America, Brazil and major European festivals, and recording eight albums, including several in trio with bassist Niels-Henning Orsted-Pedersen.

He has also appeared on albums by Joe Williams and J.J. Johnson.

During 1981, ahead of his debut in the US as a leader, the New York Times stated: “Mr. Stewart seems to have his musical roots in be-bop.

Stewart leans toward material associated with Charlie Parker and he spins out single-note lines that flow with an unhurried grace, colored by sudden bright, lively chorded phrases.

Stewart up-tempo virtuosity is balanced by a laid-back approach to ballads, which catches the mood of the piece without sacrificing the rhythmic emphasis that keeps it moving.”

He resided in Dublin.

Louis received an honorary doctorate from Trinity College Dublin in 1998.

During 2009 Stewart was elected to Aosdána, an Irish affiliation of artists engaged in literature, music and visual arts, established by the Irish Arts Council in 1981 to honour those whose work has made an outstanding contribution to the creative arts in Ireland.

Louis Stewart passed away at 72 years old.