Heather M Stewart is a talented Australian vocalist and violinist in the international jazz scene. Based in Paris, Heather performs a range of repertoire centred in traditional and hot jazz, ragtime and jug bands, acoustic blues, country and folk music.
Heather studied classical violin and voice (B.Mus.hons), Honours in cognitive neuroscience, an MA in pedagogy and a Graduate Diploma of Jazz. Truly grateful her rigorous classical training has provided regular chances to moonlight in chamber ensembles, Heather is artistically devoted to exploring the acoustic roots of jazz, blues, ragtime and country folk music. From a musical family through the generations and a background of hard work, Heather's singing and violin playing hold a depth and artistry that make her one of the best of her generation.
Recent concerts have included Paris's illustrious Le Bal Blomet and Caveau de la Huchette (La La Land) with sold-out capacity crowds for The Dirty Ragtimers Orchestra, Orchestre Delmar and Collectif Paris Swing. Heather has toured in Europe, UK, USA and Australia and brings unique style and skill to the grand repertoire of great jazz musicians and songwriters from the 1900s to 1940s. Heather is also a multiple award winning composer of songs and fiddle tunes for her self-titled Heather Stewart Band, and repertoire for theatre and dance projects.
In Paris, Heather Stewart often share the stage with Orchestre Del Mar, Collective Paris Swing, Leigh Barker Band, Jake Sanders, Jason Marsalis, Matt Munisteri, Giacomo Smith, Nicholas Montier, Christophe Davot, Eamon McNelis, and many more. Heather won multiple awards for her blues and jazz albums and continues to build audiences wherever she performs through her natural presence on stage and joy in performance. Heather's collaboration with Parisian fingerpicking guitarist Lucas Montagnier is called The Dirty Ragtimers. They launched their brand new album "Fairytales of Montmartre" recorded at Hi Style Studios during their Chicago winter tour. The album launch was completely completely sold out with an exhilarated crowd filling Paris' illustrious Le Bal Blomet.
Recent performances in Paris venues include: Le Bal Blomet, La Coupole brasserie, Boeuf Sur Le Toit, La Bellevilloise, Caveau de la Huchette (La La Land), Dr Lupin and Sunday residency at Montmartre's Chez Camille.
Influences: Annette Hanshaw, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, Jelly Roll Morton, Irving Berlin, Gene Aubrey, Scott Joplin, Big Bill Broonzy, G and I Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichael and many more.