Jason A. Stuart
From the early years, on the New York City streets, the music was always the most important part of the life of this soulful musician. After picking up his father's old guitar, there was no turning back. Now, with a way to express himself, the road for his future journey became clearly visible.
Spending his early years working days in the music exchange at such places as Manny's, Eddie Bell's and Dan Armstrong's and the night time playing in various bands around the city or attending shows at Harlem's legendary Appollo Theatre, Jason Stuart quickly fell in love with the Rhythm & Blues, Soul, and funky mix of music that made up the scene in the sixties.
His first opportunity came while working for Universal Attractions, the management organization for the hardest working man in show business, the Godfather of Soul, Mr James Brown. It was during this time, that Jason Stuart was asked to tour with one of the Kings of Rock & Roll, the legendary Chuck Berry. Learninbg at the side of this great performer, JAson Stuart was quick to put what he learned into developing his own unique style of showmanship.
Soon after the tour was over, Jason Stuart was touring through the Midwest, when he found himself booked in the legendary birthplace of Jake & Elwood Blues, the city of Rock Island Illinois. The mystic call of the mighty Mississippi River soon weaved a spell that forced this musician to make Rock Island his adopted home.
While playing the club circuit through the Midwest, the reputation of Jason Stuart was being established on a firm foundation enabling this performer to gather fans from all parts of the country. This led to a short tour schedule with one of his first band's and The Edgar Winter Group and Black Oak Arkansas.
Times change, and if a musician is going to survive, he better be able to roll with the punches. Signing a record deal with Soma Records in Las Vegas Nevada, Jasoin Stuart honed his skills in the studio to a sharper edge. The record company dissolved and Jason Stuart gave his position to another guitar hero, Jesse Johnson who soon departed for Minneapolis to join the ranks of "The Time" and achieve sucess in the ranks of the Prince armada.
The next phase for this journeyman musician took him to downstate Illinois, around Carbondale and north to the streets of Chicago. It was during this period that Jason Stuart became friens with the late Larry "BIG TWIST" Nolan and his guitarist Pete Special. Jamming with these great Chicago blues legends and others like the late "Mighty" Joe Young and concert appearances with the Fabulous Thunderbirds added more to Jason Stuart's knowledge of the blues.
Three years passed, with Jason Stuart in seclusion, appearing only as a single for special occasions and doing studio work, for which he was in great demand. At a specil guest appearance, Jason Stuart was spotted by Mr. Ross Hacker, one of the founders of the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. Mr. Hacker asked Jason Stuart if he would consider performing at the first annual Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, which was to be held over the fourth of July weekend. A big surprise was in store for the Blues Society and all those who attended.
Seeing Jason Stuart perform as a single and sitting in with other bands, the Mr Hacker and the Blues Society were shocked when a contract arrived listing Jason Stuart & Eiffel Tower a full eleven pieces strong and ready to play the blues. Just what did this musician think he was doing? Organizing a military campaign or putting on a show for a few hundred people.
For three years running, Jason Stuart continued to bring a completely new show to the festival, delighting the ever growoing audiences. But trying to find a club scene that can support a band of this size was the weak link in the chain of Jason Stuart's armour. Appearances were limited to some opening concert dates and speical events sponsored by local radio stations.
Jason stuart made a clean getaway, disappearing into the night and wondering just what music had in store for him around the next bend in the river. But, Ross Hacker still had visions of great music and a venue that would support both artists and musicians alike. Tracking Jason Stuart down, he approached him with the idea of starting a house band for his new club. A band that would take the stage nightly on its own and provide backup for the national acts and blues legends that would grace the stage of "Uncle Roscoe's Polo Club".
The first concert to take place at the new venue gave birth to Jason Stuart's "COBALT BLUE", and placed them center stage with blues greats The Holmes Brothers. Many artists graced the stage at the Polo Club, and Jason Stuart took the opportunity to pour his soul out with vocals and guitar alike. Support from Bobby King & Terry Evans, The Kinsey Report, Roosevelt "Booba" Barmes, Miss Koko Taylor and her daughter Cookie, Chris Cain, Lucky Peterson, Lonnie Mack, and others led Jason Stuart to believe it was time to make his move.
Drawing the attention of Blues Boy Records co-owner Henry Thompson, along with kind words from the "Iceman" Mr Albert Collins, Jason Stuart was offered a record deal and given control of the production of the first record, with finak approval resting in the hands of the record company. Knowing that this was not time for small measures, Jason Stuart called on two new friends, Mr Albert Collins and Larry McCray, who were both recording for the Pointblank Record label. Albert Collins offered his support but a busy touring schedule and failing health kept him from being actively involved. On thge other hand, Larry McCray found time in his busy schedule to share to cuts on the first "COBALT BLUE" album with Jason Stuart. The album entitled, "It's Not News It's Just The Blues", was released in 1994 and soon gathered great reviews across the nation and in the U.K.
Things started to fall into place with the release of the album. Samick Musical Instruments/Valley Arts Guitars built two special guitars for Jason Stuart and Mesa Boogie amplifiers came on board with some sponsorship as well. "B.B's got "Lucille", and now I've got "Maggie", Jason Stuart said, ..."and I'm going to keep playing her till they finally put me down".
Now recording their second release for the Blues Boy Record label, entitled, "Just Another Night On The Town", the band divides its time between a busy touring schedule ans time in the studio.
The current line-up for the band consists of:
Jamsie "Cosmo" Carvelli Drums & Vocals David "Admiral of the Ivories" Craft Keyboards & Vocals Jim "The Punch" Pihl Bass Guitar Percussion
& Special Effects
The never ending tour continues throughout the year. Don't miss a chance to catch a performance of this fine band on a stage in your area. Not the same old blues, but blues with a message for everyone.