Insignia Stew Cutler

• 1 Whisper 07:39
• 2 QT 02:32
• 3 Lovely Mary 05:24
• 4 Left Behind 06:49
• 5 East River Delta 04:12
• 6 Saudades on 8th Avenue 04:46
• 7 Coles Mountain 04:34
• 8 Elizabeth 08:12
• 9 Left Alone 04:55
• 10 Insignia 14:08
• Total Runtime 01:03:11

Info for Insignia

Insignia is a trio recording in the fullest sense of the word rather than two rhythm voices backing up the lead, featuring the huge and fluent talent of Garry Bruer on drums and Booker King playing crystal clear and bone-vibrating bass.

After having trained with electric bass master Harvey Brooks, Stew then proceeded to perform all over the world with Percy Sledge, Wilson Pickett, James Montgomery and Eddie Floyd. Not satisfied with this, he has also recorded with legends such as Bill Frisell, David Sanbourne and Wayne Horvitz.

I feel proud to have helped bring this superb album to light - by introducing the wonderful jazz/blues guitarist Stew Cutler to a doctor friend of mine (Alan Eiges) to play a party, he in turn told a producer friend of his (Ken Christianson) about Stew's fine trio and was instrumental in getting the trio to record for the much respected UK label - Naim. Stew's superb trio includes Booker King on bass and Garry Bruer on drums.

Ken recorded this marvelous trio in a church in Hinsdale, IL. and the sound is just perfect. Commencing with the beautiful, laid back elegance of 'Whisper' - Stew has a superb, warm tone not too different from the lovely sound that Bill Frisell uses in recent years. The first solo is actually a swell one from bassist Booker King - Stew's solo is next and it is the essense of taste, balancing jazz and blues lines with a purity that shines. 'QT' also shifts between a funky, blues section (Zony Mash-like) and a complex, spiraling section with intricate changes. I dig how the bass sets the tone on 'Lovely Mary' another exquisite, bluesy, laid back gem which starts with a dream sequence and then turns into a Latin groove thing. On 'Left Behind' Stew starts with some nice volume swirls, but soon the drummer is spinning quickly while Stew adds some hypnotic sustain-tone to his guitar and the trio takes off for the stratosphere as the pace gets quicker and Booker plays another inspired electric bass solo. Stew digs in and lets the blues wail with a slow burn groove on 'East River Delta' with some subtle yet greasy slide and some finger twisting grit.

Another great thing about this release is the way Stew's tunes are filled with nifty surprises - they often start one way, yet change midstream and become something else, but it all evolves so naturally. 'Saudades on 8th Ave.' has a great finger snapping latin groove and more tasty solos from the guitar and bass. 'Elizabeth' has an enchanting, laid back and funky groove which shifts between the slow grease and swinging jazz vibe with a long, story-like solo from Stew right out of Wes Montgomery-land. Stew takes things further out on 'Left Alone' where he uses some spaced out echoes on the guitar for the intro and then glides with bluesy echoed slide for the rest of the tune - the song does have a lonely feel, so the title is pretty apt. The title track 'Insignia' is the longest one here and begins with a blues-drenched stop and start rhythm and builds from hushed waves and warm, gracious jazz guitar slowly letting those notes get fatter as his tone gets thicker - the drummer and bassist both take fine melodic solos which continues the flow just right - Stew also takes another fine, ultra subtle guitar solo with delicate volume pedal or pinky action that has an endearing dream-like haze. If any of you have been disappointed in the last few Bill Frisell cds for being too mellow, I urge you to give the Stew Cutler Trio a chance - an immensely sublime and superb jazz/blues guitar trio treat!

Stew Cutler, Guitar & Slide Guitar
Garry Bruer, Drums & Percussion
Booker King, Bass

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.

This album contains no booklet.