The Rediscovered: Jason Stewart

Did you get your U.S.D.A. recommended dose of shred today? How about enough shred to help build strong bones and teeth? If not, spin Jason Stewart's demo CD-R Alien Funk (forget about the funk part), and go for a heaping helping of shredded bliss. This New Mexico area instrumental guitarist has taken both Phrygian and friggin' licks to the next level, jamming over beat box grooves with his own brand of liquid fire. Walloping guitar harmonies. muted lines and a squalling, highly overdriven, hyper-compressed sound are just some of the trademarks of Stewart's production, as well as the fiery, alternate-picked, guitar maelstrom he unleashes at the drop of a hat. The appropriately named "Frenzy" is a great place to start, as you'll tie your poor fingers in knots attempting to air guitar along with the record. No limits here on guitar technique, just a little boost in the production department and Stewart will make new legions of shred fans delirious with joy. Jason Stewart was originally profiled in the June-July, 2004 edition of The Undiscovered.

Originally into '60s/'70s bands such as Pink Floyd, the Eagles and Jimi Hendrix, Jason found himself being more and more influenced by accomplished guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen, Chet Atkins and Randy Rhoads. In his late teens he delved more into shredders such as Greg Howe, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Jason started playing guitar at age 14, and the instrument quickly became an unstoppable obsession. He took every guitar class possible in high school, and later took private lessons with a jazz teacher. Jason comes from a musical family, but is convinced he would have eventually gravitated towards some form of artful expression. He has already built up a catalog of over 500 recorded songs.

Stewart would love to cover as many bases as possible in his musical career - touring, writing for movies, television and video games, or composing material for other musicians. "The only limits are those which you impose upon yourself," he notes, philosophically.

Jason Stewart
United States

Web site: www.jasonstewart.net