Music aficionados and jazz enthusiasts, get ready for an unparalleled auditory experience with the release of "Louis Stewart with Jim Hall - THE DUBLIN CONCERT." This newly unearthed live recording from December 26, 1982, is a unique collaboration between two of the most revered guitarists in jazz history. Available on September 6, 2024, this album promises to be a treasured addition to any jazz collection.
Recorded at Dublin’s Maccabi Hall, "THE DUBLIN CONCERT" captures an intimate and electrifying performance by Louis Stewart and Jim Hall. This concert was an unexpected delight for Dublin jazz fans, hastily arranged when it was discovered that Hall was vacationing in Ireland. The serendipitous event brought together Louis Stewart, Ireland’s first world-class jazz musician, and Jim Hall, a modern jazz guitar pioneer. Despite their differing styles, the two guitarists delivered a spellbinding performance, showcasing their deep mutual respect and masterful interplay.
Rediscovered and Remastered
The tapes of this concert were discovered in 2022, 40 years after the original performance. Thanks to the foresight of Gerald Davis, founder of Livia Records, the concert was recorded with a simple setup—just a mic on each guitar amp—capturing the raw, authentic sound of the duo. These tapes have been carefully digitized and mastered, preserving the captivating, empathetic, and poetic playing of Stewart and Hall.
Accompanying this release is a 16-page booklet featuring detailed sleeve notes by Philip Watson, biographer of guitarist Bill Frisell. The booklet includes rare photographs and recollections from musicians who attended the gig, offering a vivid snapshot of this historic evening. Watson’s insights, combined with the personal anecdotes, provide a rich context for the performance and the era.
About the Artists
Louis Stewart was a trailblazing Irish jazz guitarist who gained international acclaim with performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in the late 1960s. He toured with Benny Goodman and Ronnie Scott’s quintet and recorded extensively, leaving behind a legacy of over 70 albums. Known for his fluid technique and lyrical improvisation, Stewart inspired generations of guitarists and earned the respect of jazz greats like Barney Kessel, Tal Farlow, and Pat Martino. His influence continues to resonate in the jazz community today.
Jim Hall was an innovative jazz guitarist whose career spanned over five decades. Born in Buffalo and later moving to Los Angeles, Hall made his mark with Chico Hamilton and Jimmy Giuffre before relocating to New York. There, he collaborated with legends like Sonny Rollins, Bill Evans, and Paul Desmond. Hall’s understated, melodic style and his ability to transcend the instrument made him a pivotal figure in modern jazz. He was also a prolific composer and arranger, known for his collaborations with younger guitarists such as Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell.
A Must-Have for Jazz Guitar Fans
"Louis Stewart with Jim Hall - THE DUBLIN CONCERT" is more than just a recording; it’s a piece of jazz history, a snapshot of a magical evening that brought together two guitar maestros. For fans of Stewart and Hall, this album is a rare treat, offering the only known recording of their performance together. It’s a testament to their artistry and a celebration of the rich legacy they left behind.
Mark your calendars for September 6, 2024, and prepare to be transported back to that enchanted night in Dublin when two guitar legends shared the stage. This album is a reminder of the timeless beauty of jazz and the enduring power of musical collaboration.
Pre-order your copy now from Livia Records.
