Every once in a while a new artist comes along that seems to defy categorization. Alexandra Stewart is precisely this kind of artist. This photogenic young chanteuse hailing from Canada has impressed me with her warm, soulful vocals that are backed up by a maturity in her songwriting that seems well beyond her years.
Her new EP entitled Short Stories just came to my attention and it’s mesmerizing. Although she’s a jazz singer, she’s managed to transcend the limited appeal of that respectable genre with some very accessible, yet down to earth melodies. She’s taken all of the good things about contemporary jazz and infused them with a rare honesty and originality that results in an exquisitely listenable musical experience.
In an exhausted age of plastic music performed by contrived pop stars, Alexandra Stewart comes across as a breath of fresh air.
From the catchy Stop For a Minute, to the stark honesty of Darling and closing with the optimisticSay It Somehow you are taken on a journey which is why the title of the EP Short Stories is apt. Throughout it all, I was taken aback by the sheer honesty and vulnerability of her songs. This kind of openness is a welcome change from the bravado and posturing that seems to characterize the repertoire of much of today’s modern popular music.
As a pianist, I really fell in love with her spacious yet restrained piano voicings – they are the perfect accompaniment for her lush and wistful vocals. The fluid arrangements and confident performances are top-notch yet never fail to highlight and feature Ms.Stewart’s striking voice.
If you are looking for a unique up and coming singer-songwriter Alexandra Stewart may be just what you are looking for.