Malvern RSL - Jazz on Sundays 9 Ellison St, Malvern East 3145 (03) 9571 2058

Heather Stewart is an extraordinarily talented vocalist and violinist in the international jazz scene. Refusing to be boxed into one label or stye. An Australian based in Paris, Heather performs a range of repertoire built around traditional and hot jazz, ragtime and string bands, acoustic blues, country and folk music. She has published two albums of original songs and magazine articles about music, 8 albums with bassist Leigh Barker Band and numerous albums with groups in Australia and France.

Heather studied classical violin and voice (B.Mus.hons), Honours in cognitive neuroscience, a Masters in pedagogy and a Grad Diploma in Jazz. She started her career in semi-professional orchestras and operas in Melbourne and then London whilst following her passion for jazz and songwriting. At 23, Heather left her classical career for the winding, unpredictable pathways of jazz and original music. Heather dedicated years to workshops, masterclasses, lessons and solid training with the best swing and traditional jazz musicians in London and around Australia with John Scurry, Andy Baylor, Peter Baylor, Eamon McNelis, Tim Stevens to name but a few.

Heather's rigorous classical training on violin and voice allows her to perform occasionally in chamber ensembles and orchestras, including the Zoot Symphonique performance at Le Théâtre des Champs Elysees of new classical/jazz works by prominent jazz musicians Neïl Saïdi, Noé Codjia et David Paycha for octet de jazz and orchestra and while being devoted artistically to 1900s-1940s jazz, acoustic blues, ragtime and country folk/fiddle music, Heather finds constant and historical links between these musical worlds. Heather's singing holds a depth and understated artistry that can only come with high level instrumental training making her a rare musician.

“Heather Stewart is a remarkable vocalist. "Indian Summer," on the Paris set, rises above, a moving rendition worthy of the timeless lyric. Across the disc she enriches the presentation of "He ain't got rhythm," "The song has ended," "Lonely one in the town," "Chinatown, my Chinatown," and several other engaging titles.... Joe Bebco. The Syncopated Times: Exploring the world of hot jazz, ragtime, and swing.” — The Syncopated Times: Exploring the world of hot jazz, ragtime, and swing.

LINE UP: Heather Stewart Leigh Barker Sam Young - drums Eamon McNelis - trumpet Jason Downes - reeds Max Teakle - piano