This group is made up of some of the finest jazz musicians in Adelaide.
The aim of the Collective is to perform original music written by members of the group, all of whom are accomplished musicians and composers. Although Mike is the leader of the group, the responsibility of creative direction shared equally by all members. It provides a forum for some of South Australia’s finest jazz musicians to showcase and experiment with new music. The most excitement occurs in rehearsal when new works are rehearsed and sometimes re-worked by the group as a whole.
The Mike Stewart Collective is, Mike Stewart Saxophone, Dave McEvoy-piano, Tim Bowen–bass, Jamie Jones-drums and Hugh Stucky-guitar.
The Collective debuted at the Wheatsheaf Hotel as part of the Creative Original Music of Adelaide (COMA) Autumn Sessions and was reviewed by John McBeath of the Advertiser:
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Saxophonist Mike Stewart, back home after three years playing and studying in New York, fronted a quintet with Dave McEvoy (piano), Hugh Stuckey (guitar), Sam Riley (bass) and Jamie Jones on drums. They played a high-energy program of Stewart's originals in a rhythmic post-bop style. Stewart's tenor sax tossed off tricky up-tempo bop themes with ease, and spread fire with fast running solos. Stuckey's guitar had no trouble keeping up the pace, either stating a theme in unison with the sax or ripping out high speed solos. The one slow ballad, Hope For Tomorrow had interesting harmonic structures and an opportunity for everyone to step back, turn contemplative, and wax lyrical. These were smartly arranged pieces, performed by talented players, and Mike Stewart is a welcome returnee to the Adelaide jazz scene. – John McBeath |
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