Billy Stewart

On a set of six straight-ahead originals and two standards, tenor saxophonist Robert Stewart sounds remarkably laid-back and relaxed, particularly when one considers that this was his recording debut. Even on the up-tempo tunes, Stewart is often content to emphasize his warm tone and hold long notes, taking his time to get his message across. Assisted by Eric Reed (who on this CD often emulates McCoy Tyner), bassist Mark Shelby, and drummer Billy Higgins, this is a pleasing modern mainstream effort from the L.A.-based tenor.

"Chess Soul: A Decade Of Chicago's Finest" is a compilation album released in 1998 that celebrates the rich legacy of soul music from the Chicago-based Chess Records. Chess Records was a significant label in the history of American music, known for its contributions to blues, jazz, and soul. This compilation highlights the label's influence and the artists who defined the Chicago soul sound. The album primarily features soul music, with elements of R&B and funk. It showcases the smooth, emotive vocals and rich instrumentation characteristic of the genre.

Grant Stewart's 2005 session for the Japanese Video Arts label features several musicians of his generation, including the highly regarded guitarist Joe Cohn and seasoned bassist Joel Forbes, drummer Phil Stewart, and the twenty-ish rising pianist Ehud Asherie. The tenor saxophonist's program mixes hard bop, Brazilian pop hits from the '60s, and originals in an enticing program. His performances of overlooked hard bop gems include Sonny Clark's "Cool Struttin'," Hank Mobley's breezy "Soul Station," and the Elmo Hope/Sonny Rollins collaboration "Carving the Rock," all interpreted with strong solos throughout. Stewart recalls the big-toned boppers of the '50s with his brisk setting of Billy Strayhorn's "Raincheck." His breezy take of "Felicidade" and the rhapsodic treatment of the bittersweet "Estate" also merit praise. Fellow tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander is an added guest for two of the leader's originals.

History of Soul Records presents the third of a series of anthologies covering the genesis of soul music. Part of the History of Soul series, this double CD presents 56 breathtaking blues and spiritual tracks and some of the most impassioned, compelling vocal performances ever to be recorded. The accompanying illustrated booklet sets out the historical background and explains some of the technical features that make these beautiful songs the precursors of soul music. The Five Blind Boys Save A Seat For Me, Dorothy Coates righteous 99 And A Half, the Soul Stirrers pop-infused yet impassioned Touch the Hem Of His Garment and the Staple Singers glowering Uncloudy Day are not mere stylistic affectations. The uncompromising emotional fire of these records directly reflects the struggles of their times. Similarly, the declamatory exuberance of Ray Charles s call and response classic I ve Got A Woman, the lived-through resilience of BB King s Ten Long Years and the forthrightness of Bobby Bland s It s My Life Baby all speak directly of a new-found African American boldness, the boldness of the self-validated and the determinedly free spirited. These are the sounds and soul of those reclaiming their seat of choice on the bus. Exuberance and rebellion, individuality and community, pain and joy, nature and spirit: this is the music of people who refused oppression.