Stew Cutler
Biographie Stew Cutler
Stew Cutler - Guitarist
Jazz, soul, blues, funk, roots, rhythm & blues. This is the part where comparisons usually begin. We prefer not to compare. When the lifelong artist/sideman becomes the composer, arranger, and leader to showcase his unique style and musical voice comparisons cannot be fair or truly honest. Pure musical expression delivered with honesty and integrity can go a long way in soothing the savage soul.
Born and raised in New York City, Cutler developed a keen interest in the guitar at an early age. Growing proficient, and with confidence, he left for the open road at 19 his first gig being with blues legend Z.Z. Hill. Seeking to push and hone his skills, Cutler also began playing with new music pioneers Bobby Previte and Eliot Sharp. He later moved to Woodstock ,NY, to work with bassist Harvey Brooks (Miles Davis, Bob Dylan) but would eventually return to New York City.
As a sideman, Cutler has performed the world over with the greats: Percy Sledge, Eddie Floyd, Wilson Pickett, Fontella Bass, The Fantastic Johnny C, Earl King, Jimmy Castor, and more recently, Queen Esther Marrow and the Harlem gospel Singers and Sweet Georgia Brown. He has worked with artists as diverse as Meatloaf, Jeb Loy Nichols, David Fanshawe and Jimmy Dale Gilmore. But not satisfied to be only playing the classics, Cutler is on record with many of the greats of Jazz and modern music, including David Sanborn, Bill Frisell, Lester Bowie, Charlie Hunter, Wayne Horvitz, Bobby Previte, Robin Holcomb, Philip Johnston, and Eliot Sharp to name a few.
With the success of his first two Cds “Trio Music” on Fountainbleu records and “Insignia” on the Naim label, Stew has developed a unique sound. R& B and Avant Gard, melody and noise. With “So Many Streams” (Fountainbleu) Cutler, with the help of friends Eliot Sharp and Jeb Loy Nichols, and many others, returns to his roots. This new release, Trio Live gives the listener the most exciting side of Cutler yet, his live performance
Stew Cutler has always known how to give the people what they want - now he can do so on his own terms.
Garry Bruer - Drums & Percussion
is a New York native who has performed around the world with a myriad or artists from diverse musical backgrounds. Influenced by pop radio, local neighborhood bands, and his dad's record collection, Garry developed a style that allows him to comfortably cover many styles of music.
His subtle blend of power, emotion and versatility has supported a wide array of musical artists including Fontella Bass, Bobbi Humphrey, Little Milton, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Otis Blackwell, James Cotton, GQ, and Sister Sledgeto name a few.
Garry has brought a solid, song-driven playing style that complements the many dynamics of the band. He has added fresh elements to the older material as well as creative input to the newer songs. Once you hear him play you will see why Garry is a welcome addition to ESB.
Booker King - Composer & Bassist
is a native of New York City. Booker graduated from Five Towns College and studied under Bob Cunningham, Richard Davis and Homer Mensch. Booker has toured the world laying down powerful grooves and orchestral melodies. Among the artists he has performed and/or recorded with are Jane Siberry, Angelique Kidjo, Kelis, Grant Green Jr., Santana, Defunkt Big Band, Yoko Kanno, Corey Glover, Dean Brown, Mary Wilson, Stephanie Mills, Paul Shapiro, Paul Simon, Bill Sims and the American Roots Orchestra, Femi Kuti, Billy Cobham, Bobby Caldwell and Lila Downs.
