Alexander Stewart returns to form with an orchestral, cinematic new album, that dusts off the constraints of nostalgia, leaping forward into the contemporary and places the twenty-something Mancunian back in the UK music spotlight.
Singer Alexander Stewart, has enjoyed an international touring career during his studio-hiatus, since the release of his acclaimed debut album All Or Nothing At All (ASM001).
In 2012, Stewart toured the UK with Dionne Warwick and has since played countless European festivals to sell out audiences. In 2014 after amassing an impressive fan base, he recorded a live (The Live Session) album in German. Last year alone he headlined two shows with the Count Basie Big Band in Macau, China, as well as featuring with the HR Big Band in Germany.
Labelled as ‘one of the most precociously talented vocalists of his generation’, Stewart’s acknowledgement of both standards and popular music is greatly referenced in his choice of material, both in his live and recorded work and no more so than in this upcoming release.
A culmination of Stewart’s ability to hone in on and develop original written material; a collection of the finest musicians and arrangers the UK and Europe has to offer, along side two years of solid touring, writing and dedication, lead to this ambitious point.
I Thought About You- features a stellar lineup, including Stewarts touring band; pianist Rob Barron, bassist Rob Anstey, drummer Andy Chapman and trumpet player Freddie Gavita. The impressive live big-band, recorded at Angel Studios by Grammy-award winner Steve Price, includes a who’s who of UK jazz talent; ‘Alastair White, Andy Panayi and Callum Au to name but a few. Add to the mix the lavish backdrop of The City of Prague Philharmonic, (who feature on 7 of the tracks), Stewart takes the helm of some heavy hitting musical collaboration.
The 12-track album includes new takes on timeless songs, ranging from Jackie Wilson (The Sweetest Feeling) to Dusty Springfield (The Look Of Love), and from up-tempo interpretation on Etta James (I Just Want To Make Love to you), to the opening track, a sweeping orchestral mambo through a Stevie Wonder favorite (Part Time Lover).
Blending with these cornerstones in popular musical legacy, are four original compositions by Stewart, (including a co-write with long time collaborator, Alex Webb) showcasing a huge development of Alexander, as both artist and now songwriter.
Add to all this, a total reimagining of a Sinatra classic as the albums centrepiece (brought forward to the 21st century with a bold, new, orchestral score), I Thought About You is a richly textured, contemporary record, with a modern, emotive approach to songs you know and love, delivered with conviction by Stewart.
The album, arranged predominantly by Rob Barron and Freddie Gavita, was recorded in London and Prague. Mixing was engineered by Darren Williams, and mastering took place at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, London, by Geoff Pesche.
The album is scheduled for release on Friday 9th of September 2016, distributed by Proper Music. 
 He has performed at some of the best loved jazz venues here in the UK including Pizza on the park (Knightsbridge) and The Vortex (Hackney), as well as both the London and Wigan Jazz Festivals (both 2009). 
 
Alexander features in an upcoming performance as part of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, broadcast live on BBC Radio 2, on April 30th. He will perform alongside the BBC concert orchestra and John Wilson big band with Curtis Stigers and Buddy Greco, one time member of the legendary Rat Pack. The sold out show is presented by Michael Parkinson.
 
Stewart and his band are pleased to be performing live for the second time at the ROYAL ALBERT HALL, kicking off their late night jazz series on may 6th.
 
'' this is a voice people will want to hear.... watch what happens.''
02 Aug 2009
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