Louis Stewart

Jazz guitarist Louis Stewart (1944-2016) is arguably Ireland’s most famous jazz export. His quiet virtuosity have meant that he is especially well thought of by other musicians. He was born in Waterford, but grew up in Dublin. He first learned piano, before switching to guitar as a teenager. His earliest professional experience was with the pianist Jim Doherty. It was with Doherty that Stewart first toured internationally, including an appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1968, where he was named Outstanding European Soloist. Later that year, he moved to London and joined Tubby Hayes‘ quartet and big band. From 1969 he spent three years with Benny Goodman.

In 1975, Stewart recorded his debut album Louis The First in Dublin. He also began working with Peter Ind and Ronnie Scott. From 1977, he recorded and toured widely with George Shearing in a drummerless trio with Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen. He also visited Australia, where he performed with Blossom Dearie and Don Burrows. Stewart worked in a guitar duo with Martin Taylor during the mid-1980s, sometimes together in groups led by Stéphane Grappelli. He also recorded frequently as a band leader from 1986 into the early 2000s. His last studio recording Tunes in 2013 was made back in his native Dublin in duo format with his first employer, Jim Doherty.

Key Recordings:
With George Shearing
Out On His Own (Jardis 1977)
Overdrive (Hep 1993)