Jamie Stewardson

Jamie Stewardson: Jhaptal

by Michael P. Gladstone
May 21, 2006

Guitarist Jamie Stewardson's new album, whose title refers to a ten-beat rhythmic cycle frequently used in Indian music, brings together a talented ensemble to explore nine original compositions. With Stewardson are tenor saxophonist Tony Malaby, vibraphonist Alexei Tsiganov, bassist John Hebert and drummer George Schuller.

Stewardson studied under John Abercrombie and Mick Goodrick at the Banff Jazz Workshop and the New England Prep School. His initial experience dealt with supporting pop and R&B acts in a cruise ship ...

Jamie Stewardson: Jhaptal

by John Kelman
May 4, 2006

The downside of more accessible jazz education is a proliferation of young players who speak the language but lack the kind of spark that marks great jazz. And as “the new mainstream incorporates broader harmonic and rhythmic palettes, it's becoming even more difficult to avoid sounding purely cerebral. Not that there's anything wrong with an intellectual approach, but music also needs a physical component as well, something that speaks to the listener on a more instinctive emotional level.

Jhaptal is ...

Jamie Stewardson: Jhaptal

by Jim Santella
April 29, 2006

Guitarist Jamie Stewardson approaches modern jazz composition with the kind of expertise that comes from dedicated study. A master's degree in jazz composition from the New England Conservatory and studies with John Abercrombie, Joe Maneri and Mick Goodrick have prepared him well.

Jhaptal, his second recording as leader, features nine of the guitarist's compositions, interpreted by his quintet with a mellow underlining. Jhaptal is a frequently used ten-beat rhythmic cycle, or “tal, in Northern India. On the title ...

Jamie Stewardson: Jhaptal

by Jerry D'Souza
April 25, 2006

Jamie Stewardson uses the ten-beat cycle called jhaptal as the title for this recording. He uses the beat effectively to make the title tune a standout, but he goes beyond the North Indian rhythm cycle to gather several other idiomatic pulses as well. In tandem, they bring about a strength to his compositions, which are fleshed out by the band. Stewardson has gathered a sturdy cast of players, each with a vision that builds the body with sinew and soul.

Jamie Stewardson: Jhaptal

by Troy Collins
April 20, 2006

A Berklee and New England Conservatory graduate, guitarist Jamie Stewardson spent time gigging with jazz legends George Russell, Jimmy Giuffre and Mat Maneri after paying his dues backing up pop and soul acts on cruise ships. With a stellar backing band and a solid release to his name, Stewardson's days supporting road weary Motown acts should be a thing of the past. Jhaptal is Stewardson's second album as a leader.

Knitting Ornette Coleman's harmolodic theory, Arnold Schoenberg's dodecaphonics ...

Jamie Stewardson: Jhaptal

by Dan McClenaghan
April 16, 2006

These sounds on Jhaptal are a long way from the O'Jays, the Temptations, Pattie Page or the Drifters, but guitarist Jamie Stewardson began his performing career on a cruise ship backing these pop oldies acts before he moved on to the higher challenge of playing with the likes of George Russell, Jimmy Guiffre and Mat Maneri.The arrangements all prove multilayered in this richly intricate ensemble outing with saxophone, vibes, guitar, bass and drums. No single member dominates the ...