Stewardson, Jamie
Fresh Sound, 2006, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 13.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: This is our first exposure to guitarist Jamie Stewardson. Listening to the first few tracks we quickly ascertain that he is skilled as a composer on the neobop/fusion side. The tunes are relaxed but not lazy. The anger that permeates many fusion recordings is also absent. In its place is a cool blue harmony that highlights Tony Malaby’s tenor sax leads especially on “Olive Oil” and the title track. The rhythm section is tight with bassist John Hebert, George Schuller (d) and vibraphonist Alexei Tsiganov. Jamie steps up on “Rest Area” and “Dig Muse” but he is generally more of a team player that makes the music more balanced.
Publicist: Braithwaite & Katz
