Bob Stewart
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Bob Stewart

Band Folk Acoustic

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Press


"June 10, 2004"

“[Stewart’s] affinity and admiration for James Taylor’s ‘Sweet Baby James’ comes across strong in the album, and while this flavor holds the record together, Stewart is not afraid to include varying genres. The first track, titled ‘All Over Again,’ leans heavily on Taylor’s ‘Fire and Rain,’ while the next track (‘That’s Not What Dancin’s For’) carries a mandolin-heavy, virtually bossanova beat. Stewart’s instrumental abilities have unquestionably been honed and sharpened extensively. Mid-album offerings include ‘Walkin’,’ with an extended instrumental introduction, showcasing the harmonica skills of John Ortman. ‘Penny From Heaven’ offers an instrumental piece with an impressive end melody using harmonics. The album shows a concerted effort toward light production, with heavy emphasis on the intricacies of Stewart’s voice. In songs like ‘Fare Thee Well,’ the production quality allows for subtle nuances to show through. The mid-song introduction of a melancholy cello line adds depth and echoes the natural movement of Stewart’s voice. Musically and stylistically, the album is strung together in a refreshing balance of consistency and variation. The bulk of the album was written in 2002 and 2003, but also includes two songs from earlier in Stewart’s career. ‘Moody Blue’ was written in 1972, while ‘Shadow Boxer’ was penned in 1977. Stewart successfully combines songs without disrupting the album flow. Gritty electric guitar and lyrical portions of ‘Moody Blue’ give away its era, but the album hangs together relatively well. The highlight of the album comes close to the end. ‘One Last Day to Cry,’ ironically the most upbeat of the songs but with the most melancholy lyrics, surprises the listener with a dynamic flow and engaging experience, while ‘Summer Song’ deals with a touching tribute to inevitable exit.” - The Athens News


"May 27, 2004"

“Bob Stewart’s new solo album, ‘Don’t Think You Know,’ is a composed amalgamation of folk, soft rock and ballad. The album is simultaneously charming and subtle with its understated melodies and rich instrumentation.... In addition to cameos from Athens band mates Elliot Abrams (guitar), John Ortman (harmonica), Jeff Smith (backup vocals) and Susan Quinones (backup vocals), Stewart has employed the talents of various outside instrumentalists. Pedal/lap steel player John Borchard and mandolin player Zeke Hutchinson provide new textures and sweeping harmonies to the proven folksy mix. Stewart himself has stated that an older crowd has always appreciated his music and that students have a tendency to compare his music to the style their parents enjoy. While James Taylor, Jackson Browne and John Prine are rarely heard pumping from subwoofers on campus, assuming this music to be too quiet or lackluster for Generation Y would be an underestimation. After all, for every Linkin Park or Lostprophets fan there’s a Ben Folds, Guster or Kenny Chesney appreciator with “The Graduate” soundtrack in their CD deck. Songs like “Fare Thee Well” and “Summer Song” embrace the gentle aesthetic of the album, highlighting Stewart’s colorful arpeggios and voice. Stewart’s voice is pristine and subdued throughout most of the album, which is appropriate for his relaxed style.... Stewart’s “Don’t Think You Know” is a surprisingly good album to come from the local music scene. It underlies competent, mature talent that provides 45 minutes of masterful folk.” - The (OU) Post


"The Athens Messenger Aug. 17, 2006"

'A Million Miles Away from Home' -- Prof pulls together another catchy yet gentle collection of songs.

Chalk up another fan of Bob Stewart's music.

Stewart's voice, like his music, is sometimes a little too smooth and soothing. That's not meant to undercut the fact that his new CD "A Million Miles Away from Home" is also very good. The album is folkishly laid-back and says something important at the same time.

The disc gets off to a bright and hopeful start with "Your Love." The song, along with most of the album, manages to not sound contrived, a tall order for most folk music these days. The record is no slice of bittersweet Americana. Stewart is an old guard singer/songwriter. He recalls the best days of James Taylor and John Prine without aping either songwriter's style.

"One Emotion" could be a cross-over radio hit if it weren't so darn good. It's a slow dance-worthy number that features local studio whiz Chris Weibel on organ.

The fast-moving jazz shuffle of "Bit Phat Baby" is exciting, even though it's named for Stewart's overweight cat.

"The Goodbye Song" is a surprisingly relevant and engaging song about change, especially since Stewart penned the song 30 years ago.

Stewart has much to say and the listener longs to hear him better. Some tracks are just a bit too busy with harmonica, drums, multiple guitars, and the like. Stewart's singing sometimes just gets lost. "Can We Ever Be the Same" is an otehrwise great song that is obscured by too much harmonica. Overall though, Stewart's backing band is tastefully subdued. The mandolin is fantastic, especially on "I Never Knew Lonely."

Stewart's unique solo guitar take on the Christian Doxology is featured on "The Doxology."

The title track's interesting take on a patriotic hymn is pleasantly not heavy-handed. The inspiring track was written as a way to cope with the cost of war. Stewart wrote the song remembering the death of 14 Ohio marines in Iraq -- the same deaths that inspired Ohio's Day of Mourning. Stewart's low rumble is beautifully augmented by a choir of soulful background vocals.

With "A Million Miles" Stewart has managed to write 12 beautiful songs [*] -- 12 more than most musicians will ever write. It's thoughtful music that isn't pretentious and feel-good music that isn't shallow. As Stewart says in "Your Love," the CD actually "made me realize it's good be be alive."

* Elliot Abrams wrote "The Storm" - Randy Surface, Entertainment editor


Discography

Samples from Bob Stewart's two solo albums, "A Million Miles Away from Home" (2006) and "Don't Think You Know" (2004), can be heard at bobstewartband.com

Photos

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Bio

Bob Stewart's strongest musical influences are James Taylor, John Prine and Bruce Cockburn. We have a standup-bass, no drums, a clean alternative sound with lots of blues harmonica, some slide guitar, and heart-felt songs. See bobstewartband.com/shows.html for schedule.