Live Album Release: Ross Stewart at The Holloway '25

To Speak From Experience: Ross Stewart, Live at The Holloway

This album was brought to my attention via an Instagram post from @rossstewartofficial I had not immediately realised that I had heard it all before, but that was no bad thing, as I was in the audience the very, very warm evening when Ross Stewart and his band showcased the launch of the EP Purpose.

This latest release from Stewart contains no new material, but it does demonstrate the continuing artistic progress of the Long Stratton based singer-songwriter and is an enjoyable, high quality recording of a great set performed in the sweaty confines of The Holloway, in September, 2025.  This release underlines the developing quality of Stewart's song-writing.  He paints vivid pictures taken from life's joyous and difficult moments.  His poetic lyrics say all that is needed to broad-brush experiences, use imagery sensible to the story and he takes pleasure in working in different song structures.

Having cut his teeth on blues standards, Ross Stewart is now writing material that echoes poetry forms. Fall From Grace is a case in point, where the first line of each verse is repeated as the third line.  This use of repetition gives great impact to the reflective nature of the song. He doesn't try to cover too much ground in each song, but there is enough in the songs to hold attention and get the mental cogs going.  I particularly enjoy Fall From Grace for the way there is room for a beautiful complementary  guitar solo, as well as soulful singing. 

Tangerine Sky is a picture postcard of a song, which is followed by Sweet, Sweet Morning, a song about waking up to better things, literally and metaphorically.  The setlist on the recording, slightly different order from the actual show, follows a storyline, moving through tough times to more optimistic and uplifting themes and tunes. 

The background echo of The Holloway's cave like music room is dampened no doubt by the full house present and the thick, thundery autumn air we were inhabiting.  For a live recording it takes a while to realise that there is actually an audience in the room.  The applause is mixed down and in parts, is cut out completely. I can assure that you that the applause and cheering after each song was enthusiastically voiced for every tune. 

As the live recording progresses, Stewart has included evidence of his easy rapport with the audience, several of whom had taken part in the choral conclusion of the studio recording of Purpose.  The man's Scottish accent is clearer to the ear here and that's no bad thing.  He has a winning way with a crowd and he makes space for  audience participation. 

The Ross Stewart Band at The Holloway

Grounds for Divorce has the air of a Spiritual song from the Deep South, or a work song. It was a chance for the assembled company to open their throats and join in with "Whoah, woah, woah" as necessary.  You come away from a Ross Stewart gig on a high. It is a pretty much a standard response to have been carried away by the melodies and delightful guitar work, but people also leave having had a bloody good time.  It is a bit of a treat to have been at this show, but if you were not there, give To Speak From Experience a whirl, then find out immediately where you can get tickets for one Ross Stewart's gigs. You  will enjoy it.  You could also book him for a gig yourself, or course.

To Speak From Experience: Ross Stewart Live at The Holloway is available on all streaming services. The recording was produced by Jon Moore. The band was Georgie Fawley (keys and vocals), Jon Weeks (bass and vocals), Sam Leverett (drums).  The YouTube video above was put together by Michaela Ainger and Olly Hill.  

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Spencer Ide

31st March 2026