Release Date: May 29, 2025
Livia Records | Remixed, Remastered, and Extended Edition with 16-page Booklet and Photos
“In my book he's one of the world's great jazz guitarists.” – Ronnie Scott
Louis Stewart’s extraordinary career is once again illuminated by the latest release from Livia Records: a fully remixed and remastered edition of I Thought About You, a studio album recorded in 1977 featuring a stellar international quartet—British pianist John Taylor, and the powerhouse American rhythm team of Sam Jones and Billy Higgins.
Originally released in 1980 with some edits and overdubs, this new version restores the album to its original brilliance, using the master tapes recorded at London’s Olympic Studios. With two additional tracks and a 16-page booklet of rare photos and newly commissioned notes, this reissue confirms I Thought About You as one of the definitive documents of Stewart’s artistry.
The Making of a Classic
In March 1977, Louis Stewart—then a regular at Ronnie Scott’s club in London—took the opportunity to record with visiting Americans Sam Jones and Billy Higgins, who were in town with pianist Cedar Walton. He brought in fellow Scott’s bandmate John Taylor to complete the lineup. The result: a dynamic and soulful studio session that spans the jazz spectrum, from Thelonious Monk and Chick Corea to Miles Davis and Sam Jones himself.
The original release was a hybrid, incorporating overdubs recorded later in Dublin—choices that puzzled many and ultimately veiled the clarity of the original session. Now, nearly 50 years later, the original 2” tapes have been lovingly digitised, revealing a pristine sonic picture of the quartet at its peak.
Thanks to the expert ears of Seán Mac Erlaine, supported by Ronan Guilfoyle, this new mix reclaims the warmth, space, and interplay of the live studio performance. Two previously unreleased tracks—an alternate take of "November Girl" and a searing version of "All Blues"—further enrich the set.
A Tracklist That Swings, Sings, and Soars
- I THOUGHT ABOUT YOU (Van Heusen/Mercer)
- LITHA (Chick Corea)
- SMILING BILLY (Jimmy Heath)
- UNIT 7 (Sam Jones)
- NOVEMBER GIRL (Boland/Woode)
- STRAIGHT NO CHASER (Thelonious Monk)
- ALL BLUES (Miles Davis) *
- NOVEMBER GIRL – alternate take *
*Previously unreleased
The Band: Four Masters at Work
Louis Stewart (1944–2016)
Widely regarded as one of the great jazz guitarists of any generation, Stewart’s lyrical touch, harmonic sophistication, and unshakeable swing earned him admiration across the globe. From Montreux to Ronnie Scott’s to concert halls across the world, Louis built a formidable legacy—one that Livia Records continues to preserve and celebrate.
John Taylor (1942–2015)
An ECM stalwart and a central figure in European jazz, Taylor brought a unique harmonic imagination to every setting. Whether in the avant-garde trio Azimuth or in countless collaborations with the likes of Kenny Wheeler and Norma Winstone, Taylor’s playing is immediately recognisable and endlessly inspiring.
Sam Jones (1924–1981)
The groove behind Cannonball Adderley’s most iconic sessions, Sam Jones was not only a rock-solid bassist but also a gifted composer—his tune “Unit 7” appears here. He also worked with Oscar Peterson, Thelonious Monk, and Cedar Walton, and brought warmth and elegance to every project.
Billy Higgins (1936–2001)
A drummer who played on more than 700 records, Higgins was one of the most recorded jazz drummers of all time. From Ornette Coleman to Herbie Hancock, his touch was light, melodic, and deeply rooted in the blues. His chemistry with Jones makes this rhythm section one of the most formidable of the era.
Restoring a Masterpiece
This reissue was no simple remaster. It involved extensive tape restoration and the meticulous remixing of the original multitrack recordings. After sitting untouched in a London lock-up for two decades, the 2” masters were digitised by FX Group’s Copy Room. The result is an audio experience as vivid and present as the day it was recorded.
The accompanying booklet features newly written sleeve notes by Philip Watson (author of Bill Frisell: Beautiful Dreamer), rare session photos by Roy Esmonde, and striking design by Jon Berkeley. Executive producer Dermot Rogers—who has led the reactivation of Livia Records with care and vision—curates yet another vital piece of Louis Stewart’s legacy.
A Legacy Continued
Livia Records was founded in 1977 by artist Gerald Davis specifically to record Louis Stewart and his collaborators. Since 2021, under the guidance of Dermot Rogers and with the support of Davis’s family, the label has reissued a growing collection of Stewart’s recordings while also nurturing new Irish jazz voices.
I Thought About You stands as a powerful reminder of what makes Louis Stewart’s music timeless: the effortless swing, the searching improvisations, and the profound musicality shared between masters.
Whether you’re discovering this recording for the first time or returning to it with fresh ears, this edition is essential listening.
Available from May 29, 2025 via Livia Records
For more information, visit liviarecords.com