Gary Stewart “Boy cries wolf” album launch

Photo courtesy of Kelvin Owers.

Gary Stewart – folk singer, guitarist, drummer, hobbit, musical whore. Gary is ingrained in the Leeds music scene. The release of his new album ‘Boy cries wolf‘ feels like it’s been an age in coming. Those of us who see Gary play regularly have heard these songs in all manner of musical permutations for some time and as the momentum for his album launch picked up pace it really did feel like this was a big moment for Leeds and a personal landmark for Gary.

And so we find ourselves in the wonderful Brudenell Social Club for the launch night. It’s evident as we arrive that we’re essentially at a who’s who of Leeds music. Musicians and music lovers alike are settling down in cosy corners. There are smiling embraces and hearty man hugs occuring in all directions. The wonderful ELFM team have parked their hippy caravan outside ready to stream live audio and video across the globe. We’re gathered expecting a celebration of all that’s good about Leeds and we weren’t disappointed.

Rosie Doonan takes the stage and immediately fills the room with a vocal that silences the party atmosphere. This is my first time seeing Rosie play a proper set having seen her guest vocal with Gary previously. It’s a stunning start to the evening. Gary takes the stage to accompany Rosie on guitar and It’s clear that he intends to enjoy every second of the evening.

Next up are local favourites Hope and Social. This band shouldn’t need any introduction. As the drummer for Hope and Social, Gary has supported the guys many times and the band seem to revel in the switch of roles, providing us with a re-worked set more akin to the evening and yet still dripping with personality and ramping the crowd perfectly. The sound tonight is absolutely wonderful. Gary again takes the stage, this time with his drummer’s hat on. The genuine warmth between friends on the stage is clear for all to see.

With the momentum of the evening in full swing Gary finally (thirdly?) takes the stage to a rousing reception from the packed house. He’s accompanied by a veritable supergroup of accomplished Leeds musicians. There’s an energy in the performance that immediately shakes the walls. In all the excitement Gary stands on his violin player’s lead and his band are left to improvise while he struggles to reconnect her. She rejoins the fray with a stunning violin solo to raucous applause.

There’s a real party atmosphere here tonight and as I look around the faces of the audience and the smiles and laughs being exchanged on stage it strikes me that it feels like a testimonial. This record has been a long time coming and everything about tonight is about Gary and a celebration of his contribution to Leeds music.

As the band continue to play the album from start to finish it becomes clear how much the night means to Gary in particular and he seems genuinely moved by the reception he’s getting. All too soon the set is over, with Gary ending with a stunning solo rendition of ‘Bucket of stars‘, the album closer. The contrast of the silence of the room with the eruption of appreciation at the end is incredible and a very humble looking Gary leaves the stage, convincing absolutely nobody that the gig is over. Inevitably the full band return to the stage for a rousing two song encore that sees people on their feet and dancing. It’s a fitting end to an incredible night.

The evening ends as it began. Smiles, embraces and celebration. This has been the best gig of the year so far for me for many reasons. Gary Stewart – folk singer, guitarist, drummer, hobbit, musical whore. We wouldn’t have him any other way.

Gary’s album ‘Boy cries wolf’ is available at: http://garystewart.bandcamp.com/

More information on upcoming gigs can be found at http://www.myspace.com/garystewartband.