CD - Remastered with 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.
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, on home turf. 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 at the peak of his powers, playing with Ronnie Scott’s band in London with top visiting American musicians. He made frequent trips back to Dublin to play to delirious capacity audiences at the famous Baggot 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.
Tracklist:
1. All The Things You Are (Trio)
2. Bluesology (Trio)
3. Body And Soul (Bass & Guitar Duet)
4. Send In The Clowns (Guitar Solo)
5. O Grande Amor (Trio)
6. Here Is That Rainy Day (Guitar Solo)
7. Alone Together (Trio)
8. Autumn Leaves (Guitar)
9. Footprints (Shorter) *
* = Bonus Track