Lead Saxophonist for the Al Green Band
Fate plays a role in everyone's life, but none more so than that of
Dayve Stewart. Stewart has been playing a musical instrument since a
small child. Yet it was that one moment at a concert in Jacksonville,
Florida that put Stewart together with the legendary Al Green Band and
that led to his current gig as its lead saxophonist. Stewart was in the
audience for Al Green's show in Florida when the regular sax man became
unavailable. Stewart was asked to take his place.
Al was so
impressed with Stewart's performance that Green invited him to become
his permanent lead saxophonist. What did he see in this promising
musician? Stewart has been referred to as "The Soul Man," a title
reflecting both his emotional and energetic performance style and the
derivation of his music from early gospel roots as well as his love of
contemporary "funky" Jazz. The diversity of music which Florida is
noted for has contributed to Stewart's style. His Cuban mother and
Jamaican father have also encouraged his independence and creativity.
Born in 1983, Stewart told us, "I have played for more than fifteen
years now. My mom and dad were great influences.
My dad played
and sang when I was young. I loved to watch him doo wop; my mom pushed
me real hard to play many instruments. So I also play the keyboard, the
ewee, flute and clarinet." At twelve, Stewart had already begun
performing for live audiences as part of Sonny LaRosa and America's
Youngest Jazz Band. He later started his own band, Dayve Stewart and
the Vibe, and, in 2005, began working on a project, "Feel So Good to Be
with You." Soon after, he captured the hearts of fans all across
America with his outstanding solo performance in the musical/theatrical
production, "I Can't Stop Lovin' You," a production dedicated to the
late Ray Charles, which began its run in September 2006 and ended in
April 2007. Later this year, he’ll be releasing an album from Dayve
Stewart and the Vibe and is preparing for a 2010 tour with Green’s band
along with fifteen other musicians.
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