Bill Stewart

Gretsch Artist Since: 2002

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: John Scofield, Maceo Parker, Bill Stewart Band

Current Kit Setup:
8x12” RT, 14x14” FT, 16x16” FT, 14x18” BD, 6.5x14” SD

Influences:
Max Roach, Art Blakey, Joe Morello, Roy Haynes, Jack DeJohnette, Paul Motian, and Al Foster.Roy Haynes, Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, Philly Joe Jones, Elvin Jones, Billy Higgins, Ed Blackwell, Bernard Purdie, Max Roach, Joe Chambers, Paul Motian, Grady Tate, and many others.

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"I play Gretsch drums because I love the sound, particularly the unique defined attack combined with resonance that I hear when I play Gretsch drums. There is nothing like it. I also associate that sound with many drummers I have enjoyed and been influenced by, such as Tony Williams and Elvin Jones."

Bio:
Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, drummer and composer Bill Stewart has performed with many well known musicians, including John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Maceo Parker, Larry Goldings, Joe Lovano, Charlie Haden, Lee Konitz, Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker, Kevin Hays, Bill Carrothers, Jim Hall, Marc Copland, Peter Bernstein, James Moody, Joshua Redman, Steve Wilson, Seamus Blake, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Nicholas Payton, James Brown and many others. He has also recorded 5 cds as a leader, including two for Blue Note records. His latest recording as a leader is "Space Squid" on Pirouet records. He is also a co-leader of a long standing trio with Larry Goldings and Peter Bernstein, whose new album "Ramshackle Serenade" was released in 2014 on Pirouet records.