Singer-songwriter Stew spins improvisatory songs drawn from his seemingly endless stable of stories and ideas. His musical Passing Strange won a Tony for Best Book in 2008.
Why you should listen to him:
Singer/raconteur Stew combines elements of cabaret, soul and subversive pop to create a unique style he's dubbed "Afro-baroque." Frequently likened to Cole Porter and Burt Bacharach, Stew spins songs with hook-filled melodies and taut poetic narratives: "Sophisticated songs that are not likely to be heard on the radio," writes the New Yorker.
He may be underplayed, but he's far from undiscovered. Entertainment Weekly twice awarded him "Album of the Year," and he and his collaborator Heidi Rodewald have been artists-in-residence two years running at the Sundance Theater Lab, developing their musical, Passing Strange, commissioned by New York's Public Theater; the show had an award-winning preview at the Berkeley Repertory Theater in 2006 and played at the Public in 2007 before beginning its current Tony Award-winning Broadway run.
"It's a given that an African-American who fronts a group called the Negro Problem has a well-developed sense of mischief. But it's Stew's lush sense of melody and witty, journalistically detailed lyrics that make his second album ... a true treat for those who care about innovative, thought-provoking lyrics."Entertainment Weekly
Blog Posts on TED
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One night only: Stew reprises excerpts from his hit musical, "Passing Strange" – September 27, 2007
Last spring, singer-songwriter Stew (whose playful, provocative performance was a highlight of TED2006) rewrote the book on musicals with "Passing Strange," a groundbreaking show that won rave reviews during its limited, sold-out run. Developed with the Public Theater as part of an ongoing effort to bring non-traditional voices into musical theater, Passing Strange was non-traditional, for sure. Part musical, part rock show, part satire, part travelogue... the rather dazzling show was the most exciting piece of theater I've seen in years. If you missed the original run, and you're in New York, you're in luck. Stew and his partner Heidi Rodewald and members of the cast will perform songs from the show this Sunday, 30 September in Central Park's Delacorte Theater. Even better: It's free.
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Last night's TED Salon at Joe's Pub – November 4, 2005
Boy, what a magical night. Here's Thomas Dolby's review...
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Joe's Pub was the perfect venue to meet TED friends and enjoy three excellent bands. It's been a while since I enjoyed an evening of music so much. Joe's booker Bill Bragin is known as one of New York's greatest champions of new talent, and it was his recommendation that brought Ethel, Vishal Vaid, and Stew to TED's attention.
First up was Ethel, a modern string quartet that's been attracting a lot of attention from the likes of Steve Reich and Joe Jackson. All superb players, they have an intuitive rapport and plenty of resonance, effortlessly trading melodies between the two violins while 'cello and viola lay down a surprisingly groovy backdrop. A dark and unsettling composition by the impressive composer and TEDster Michael Montes was followed by a new piece composed by Ethel cellist Dorthy Lawson; this showed just how well the quartet are able to blend rock'n'roll rhythms with classical phrasing and harmonies.
Vishal Vaid is a master of the remarkable Indian ghazal folk style. A gifted vocalist, he improvised using just the syllables of notes of the ghazal scale, interlocked with his harmonium chords; layered over the accompanying six-string electric bass, acoustic guitar, and Rahis Khan's fine tabla, effect was truly mesmerizing.
Originally from L.A., Stew is a great performer that somehow funnels his varied skills as a standup comedian, political satirist and protest singer into short catchy songs with titles like "Rehab", "Kingdom of Drink", and "When Black Men Ski." Peering over his glasses, it's a bit like having your favorite college professor sing to you. I'm sure he'll be a smash hit in Monterey--though I couldn't help thinking that Tom Reilly will have a hard time spoofing Stew, because he's already so outrageous and hilarious.A fun night, and what a joy to meet three fascinating new additions to TED's musical roster. The New York connection is going to turn out to be a fabulous source of new faces and inspiration!
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Singer/songwriter Stew performs "Black Men Ski" on TEDTalks – May 10, 2007
What happens when a black man visits Aspen? Singer/songwriter Stew is about to let you know, with the arch humor and clever asides that characterize all his work (Hint: "It's a winter wonderland in the belly of the beast.") Stew is joined on stage by his partner/collaborator Heidi Rodewald (bass) and Jon Spurney (keyboard/guitar). (Recorded February 2006 in Monterey, CA. Duration: 4:48) Read Stew's profile on TED.com >>
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Watch this talk on TED.com where you can download it, rate it, comment on it and find other talks and performances.
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Spike Lee will film "Passing Strange" this weekend – July 17, 2008
Stew's brilliant musical Passing Strange closes this weekend on Broadway -- and Spike Lee will film the final Saturday shows. On July 19, cameras will follow the matinee and evening performance; the show will also be filmed later without an audience. Read Stew's thoughts about this -- and the whole Broadway/Tony Awards/The View experience -- on his blog >>
Above, at the press conference last week announcing the film project: Producer Steve Klein, Stew, Spike Lee, the musical's co-creator Heidi Rodewald and director Annie Dorsen.
Meanwhile, Stew is back onstage at the Public Theatre as part of the Summer Play Festival. Future Me, by Stephen Brown, has new music by Stew and runs July 22-27.
PLUS: A Facebook tipster sends this "new, in-depth, and very outspoken interview" with Stew on Music for Democracy. A sample:Two unlikely heroes of mine, Maulana Karenga and Robert Redford, taught me the exact same thing: don't wait for an institution to be built to get you what you need, build the institution your own damn self.
Photo above from Stew's website.
Photographer: Brad Balfour.
