The long-awaited re-release of guitar genius Louis Stewart’s 1976 debut as a leader. Beautifully remastered, this edition allows listeners to fully appreciate Louis “on fire” with its improved mix and the bonus track, Wayne Shorter’s Footprints. Louis the First features nine tracks - five trio, one bass-guitar duet, and three solo guitar that point to the magic of his solo masterpiece, Out On His Own (1977).
Recorded in Dublin’s Trend Studios, in September 1975, and released in 1976, Louis the First captures the guitarist, who by then was gaining international recognition, at his peak. It includes an extra track, a 16-page booklet with the original sleeve notes and new, extended notes including recollections from Louis’ long-term friend, pianist Jim Doherty, and a trove of previously unseen photographs.
Louis The First was recorded while Louis was playing with Ronnie Scott’s band in London with top visiting musicians. He made frequent trips back to Dublin to play to delirious capacity audiences at the famous Bag-got Inn. By 1975 his lifelong friend, pianist Jim Doherty says, Louis “was on fire” so the time had come to record him as a leader.
Some feedback from original release:
Derek Jewell – Sunday Times: “With luck he really could become the best jazz guitarist in the world.”
Jack Carter – Crescendo: “Stewart’s performance on these tracks clearly demonstrates that there will be many more albums, many more accolades.”
Ronnie Scott: “Louis is a superbly talented natural musician. In my book he's one of the world's great jazz guitarists.”
Ray Comiskey – Irish Times: “an excellent example of jazz guitar by a master.”
Hugh de Camillis – Guitarist Magazine: “Guitarists Joe Pass and Ike Isaacs have both expressed to me that in their opinion he is the most promising young guitarist around at present... An excellent offering to grace the shelves of any record collection. I hope there will be more to follow.”
Credits
Guitar: Louis Stewart
Bass: Martin Walshe
Drums: John Wadham
Original Producer: Gerald Davis
2024 Executive Producer: Dermot Rogers
Mixing & Mastering: Sean Mac Erlaine
Mixing Support: Ronan Guilfoyle
Artwork: Jon Berkeley at Holy Trousers
