Ross Stewart and Band - Sells Out Voodoo Daddy's Showroom

 Sweet Morning - Many Happy Returns!

New single from Norfolk based singer-songwriter, guitarist Ross Stewart show-cased at old-skool style Long Stratton High School gig

31^st July 2024

Ross Stewart's got a 'new' motor to go with his brand new single!
 

Heading back to school in the middle of summer, never one to forget his roots, Ross Stewart took his burgeoning musical talents into the main hall of Long Stratton High School one more time, to pay a tribute set for his alma mater.

Besides acknowledging how his high school, friends and teachers, had supported and encouraged his musical abilities, Ross wanted to launch his new single Sweet Morning to an audience of people who he trusted to give him honest opinions about his work.  Not for Ross sycophantic ‘super fans’ but individuals who would not be shy of giving an honest opinion. 

 

Well, if there were any doubts (in Ross’s mind at least) about how his latest compositions would go down, they were blown away.  Sweet Morning starts with a classic alarm clock ringing and jumps up out of bed, capturing the delight of waking to the energising warmth of the dawn.  This song is a classic piece of upbeat, modern pop-rock.  The richness of Stewart’s maturing voice is a delightful addition to his repertoire of talents. 

As a bit of a child star with the guitar, how Stewart managed his voice from mimicry of singers’ songs he covered, to finding his own style is perhaps the biggest challenge he faced as he turned twenty.  Stewart's voice has quickly grown to become recognisably his own. He has put many long hours into working out how far he can push his vocal chords and where he can confidently take his singing, whether up or down the sonic range. In this song, all that learning pays off. It is beautifully sung.

Add to the quality of his voice, the lyrical content, which is quite joyous, there is a jaunty melody and a catchy chorus, characteristics that marked-out Stewart’s debut single, Land’s End as a winner.  In fact Land's End has become a firm sing-a-long favourite at his many, many live gigs at local music festivals, venues, pubs, clubs, weddings and parties.  These miles of touring East Anglia, hours on stages and the sheer buzz this guy gets from playing music that makes people dance, rock and feel happy, ensures that a Ross Stewart show is a genuine feel-good experience.  There is nothing schmaltzy about his performances, (even if this hard-gigging guitarist is a hopeless romantic at heart).  

 

The full (but seated) hall at Long Stratton High enjoyed a set that was packed with of Stewart’s own songs.  Opening with one of my favourites, now with the title Petrol Station, armed with his acoustic guitar and a mic, Stewart delivered a stunning set, which led inexorably to the grand finale of Sweet Morning, released at minute after midnight that very day. 

 

Stewart has also a very natural interaction with his audience.  His chat between numbers, the way he gives just enough background to hook attention and build anticipation to each number, the twinkle in his eye and occasional asides when the technical side of a show needs quick attention, are all unassuming and engaging. Stewart's modesty and willingness to engage with the people who come to hear him play are genuine aspects of his character, which is incredibly refreshing in one so talented.

Stewart is so keen to learn and push himself, it was right that he was able to go back to school tonight and give something back to the Long Stratton audience.  No doubt some came along intrigued to see what the noise about Norfolk’s own Fifer was all about.  All left buzzing for having been thoroughly entertained.  Ross Stewart is worth catching, or even booking for your own party.  He has an excellent band too, because if you want to rock things up he’ll very definitely rock it up!  But book him up as soon as you can, this man is moving fast these days, now he's got a new, very stylish, motor.

My final thought about the new single is that BBC Radio 2 should be playing this on Saturday mornings. It is a perfect piece of Start-the-Weekend rock and it comes with a classic Ross Stewart guitar solo beautifully woven into the song too. 

Contact Ross Stewart on Instagram @rossstewartofficial

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Spencer Ide

5th August 2024