Ian Stewart
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano
Born and raised in cloudy Syracuse New York, Ian Stewart was first introduced to music through his father's extensive collection of classic/progressive rock and fusion recordings. His earliest musical memories included the sounds of Frank Zappa, King Crimson, Black Sabbath, Return to Forever, Jethro Tull and Weather Report. Inspired by Sabbath's bassist Geezer Butler, Ian took up the electric bass at age 12 which within a few years would lead to an interest in straight ahead jazz, the acoustic bass, classical lessons and an endless pursuit of knowledge and personal fulfillment.
Upon graduating from William Nottingham Highschool in 2004 Ian enrolled at SUNY Purchase where he studied with bassists Todd Coolman, Doug Weiss and Timothy Cobb along with musicians such as Jim Rotundi, Jon Faddis, Hal Galper, Steve Wilson, Pete Malinverni, Ray Vega and Javon Jackson. Ian was fortunate enough to spend his final semester at Purchase studying privately with Kermit Driscoll, Charles Blenzig and Gerard Hecht. Ian has worked as house bassist on cruise ships such as the NCL Jade in the Med as well as the Pacific Sun touring Northern Australia, New Calendonia an other parts of the South Pacific.
In October 2009 Ian relocated to Chicago were within a relatively short period of time he has had the fortune of performing with Darwin Noguera, Victor Garcia, Neal Alger, Ryan Cohan, Rocky Yera, Shawn Maxwell, Damien Espinoza, Mosaik and The Chicago Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble among others. In addition Ian continues to pursue writing with original compositions that explore the fusing of Balkan/Turkish mixed-meter rhythms with jazz, rock and latin textures.
Name: Ian Stewart
College: SUNY Purchase
Major: Jazz Performance BA
At The Music Room since: October 2010
First piece of music that had a profound effect on me: N.I.B. by Black Sabbath
Music teacher who inspired me the most: Charlie Banacos
Favorite quote about music:
"Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid.” ~ Frank Zappa
Favorite classical piece: Scriabin Etude Op.42 No.5
Favorite rock band: Meshuggah
Favorite jazz artist: Woody Shaw, Sonny Stitt, Ben Monder, John Coltrane many more.
Favorite singer: Theo Bleckmann
My special projects: I work with many different musicians in the Chicago area, from Salsa and Latin Jazz to Fusion. Many of them are listed in my bio. Other than that most of my time is devoted to practicing and composing. I currently study via correspondence with Barbara Banacos and Gary Dial who continue the legacy of the late Charlie Banacos whom I studied with until 12/2009.
My email address:
