Music
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The Post-Standard / Stars (p. 20)
Syracuse, NY
Sunday, April 8, 2007
(Indie rock)
“Luminaire”
Rob Stewart, independent recording
It's a very good thing that Nicholas Irvine from Anorexic Beauty Queen started jamming with post-hippie-neo-folk guy Rob Stewart. And when young bass player Naomi Kerlin joined them, the EP "Luminaire" became a very nice thing.
Stewart, who years ago played in Syracuse band Tom Foolery but for many moons stuck to open mike nights, pumps an edgy pulse into his seven songs. He combines layers of alternative rock with the smoothness of earthy folk. It's a good mix.
"Black Hole [Man]" tops the list with its suspenseful, bluesy guitar, stark vocals and rich groove. You can easily picture the downtown Syracuse street scene as Stewart sings, "Look deep in his eyes. Give what you can spare."
Catch a show: Stewart and mates play an EP release party at 6 p.m. May 6 at Funk 'N' Waffles in the Marshall Street alley.
- Syracuse Post Standard
Discography
window (demo, 2004)
LUMINAIRE (EP, 2006)
Geraniums (maxi, single 2007)
VENUES PLAYED:
NEW YORK CITY PHILADELPHIA
Pete’s Candy Store Circle East
Swifts Bar (solo)
SYRACUSE, NY ITHACA, NY
Dinosaur BBQ ABC Cafe
Mezzanote Café & Lounge
Funk N Waffles SCHENECTADY, NY
Bull & Bear Pub Night Sky Café
Half Penny Pub
Taste of Syracuse Festival
Photos
Bio
A Short & Unfinished Biography
(FOR VIDEO, GO TO http://www.youtube.com/HuelaMusic)
One of Huela singer/songwriter/guitarist Rob Stewart’s earliest memories is that of making a wincing scowl whilst ‘playing’ an unstrung electric guitar along to his father’s rock or funk or jazz or gospel music. His mother said, “you don’t need to make such an angry face!” But the young Stewart knew that there was passion coming out of the stereo, and in order to play along, he must be wrapped up in it.
Hailing from Syracuse, NY, where the snow layers its own silent music, Huela has found themselves under the influence of many songsters: Marvin Gaye, Elvis Costello, Bowie, Beatles, Michael Knott. Huela howls out songs that are musically eclectic & infused with the real hope of Jesus.
After studying classical music & theatre in college, a young & restless Stewart headed to NYC to seek a career as an actor. But there was a nest full of chirping songs growing in his heart, dying to get out, and every moment on the theatrical stage became filled with daydreams of rock & roll. He left the City to regroup and form a band.
Back in Syracuse, his precocious sister, Naomi Kerlin, was known to write poems that blazed like the sun, run half-marathons, and play piano, guitar, & bass clarinet. How wise of Stewart to ask her to play bass, sing harmonies, provide artistic insight, and exemplify cardiovascular endurance!
A natural fit for drum kit was the prolific Nick Irvine, who in 2004 had been one of the first to help Stewart give life to his songs on the window demo.
Combined to form Huela, and bringing along various Others to supplement the sound with jingles and jangles, the band presents a tight, emotional, unpredictable & energetic live show.
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