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Created: Thursday, 19 December 2013 12:59
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Published: Thursday, 19 December 2013 12:59
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Hits: 3021
By Uber Rock
Multi-instrumentalist and producer Ian James Stewart is best known as the guitarist and main songwriter with the band Strangeways. Not by me though – I’d never heard of him before I found 'Junk DNA' stuffed in my letterbox.
On the evidence of what’s here, that’s my loss. 'Junk DNA' is a wonderful collection of thoughtful, well-crafted and sometimes heartfelt tracks that sits in that genre-defying no-man’s-land with the likes of Steve Hogarth’s h-band, Talk Talk’s Spirit of Eden, Kate Bush’s 'The Dreaming' album and Twelfth Night’s Geoff Mann. It’s too tough and edgy to be pop, but not always hard enough to be rock. It’s proggy in places but not really prog. There’s a cool blues influence here and there, but it’s not really blues. You get the picture.
Read more: Uber Rock Review
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Created: Monday, 16 December 2013 14:43
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Published: Monday, 16 December 2013 14:43
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Hits: 3054
By GLORYDAZE
The Songs
'Junk DNA' for the most part keeps to a blues/jazz structure with layers of ambience as a best friend. The title track is a coarse modern day rocker, where Stewart stretches the boundaries with some dependable riffs and intrusive solos.
'Phosphorus', at 8 and a half minutes is the longest track here, but what a song. Even Pink Floyd would be impressed. The simple piano melody creates ambient space for the other passages to come into their own. One of the loveliest tracks I've heard in awhile.
Read more: Glorydaze Review
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Created: Thursday, 05 December 2013 19:38
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Published: Thursday, 05 December 2013 19:38
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Hits: 3109
By ABe - AOR Website (translated from Italian)
IAN JAMES STEWART "Junk DNA" (Dangerous Dog) rating: 85/100
For Those Who Listen: Soft Rock, Jazz, Pop Ian James Stewart's name will not be unknown to several of you, having been an important part of Scottish Strangeways which provided its contribution as a guitarist. admit to having lost sight of for a while and now I find him with this solo album I was blown away as it has little to do with his past hard rock / AOR, indeed, the thirteen songs ranging in various musical fields, all treated with a remarkable maturity. Atmospheric The "Phosphorus", for example, is sweet and delicate as they knew to be Dire Straits and Sting solo, yet his eight and a half minutes and absolutely do not weigh flowing stroking ears and heart.
Read more: AOR Website Review
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Created: Saturday, 30 November 2013 11:35
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Published: Saturday, 30 November 2013 11:35
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Hits: 2950
By Heavy Paradise
Ian James Stewart is a guitarist, composer, singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, but, basically, the general melodic public knows him as the lead guitarist and main songwriter of the legendary AOR act Strangeways in the mid 80's.
In his new release which is entitled "Junk DNA", Ian put all his influences that he grew up with and he mixes them in such a way that in the end he succeeds to release a solid album that may not excite but it certainly does not go unnoticed.
Read more: Heavy Paradise Review
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Created: Tuesday, 19 November 2013 17:03
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Published: Tuesday, 19 November 2013 17:03
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Hits: 2718
By Andreas Schiffmann (Musikreviews.de)
Als Gitarrist der Gourmet-Weichzeichner STRANGEWAYS dürfte Ian Stewart zumindest Insidern ein Begriff sein, aber ob er sich mit seinem zigsten Solo-Teller weitere Hörerkreise erschließt, bleibt fraglich, weil er sich - aufs Angenehmste - nirgends einordnen lassen möchte. "Junk DNA" ist weder ein Virtuosen-Album noch Podium für halbseidene Ideen, die anderswo nicht verbraten werden können ... zumal der Barde ja sonst sowieso nicht mehr viel treibt.
Read more: Andreas Schiffmann Review
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Created: Thursday, 05 December 2013 13:12
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Published: Thursday, 05 December 2013 13:12
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Hits: 2873
By Steven Reid (Sea Of Tranquility)
Best known as the guitarist and chief songwriter for Scottish AOR outfit Strangeways, Ian James Stewart has also released a number of solo albums. Junk DNA is his latest and one which the man himself describes as an album he's always wanted to make. It is easy to hear why, with this album having a really personal and emotional feel through a few variations of styles and approaches which still work tremendously well together.
Read more: Sea of Tranquility Review
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Created: Tuesday, 26 November 2013 21:04
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Published: Tuesday, 26 November 2013 21:04
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Hits: 2952
By E Holmes
Having been a fan of IJS's talent for many years, this album demonstrates superb creativity in Ian's song writing and the sounds are fantastic which will not disappoint. Brilliant guitar riffs you can't get enough of! Incredible vocals and story telling of the tracks makes his music so interesting and addictive. Title track 'If this is life' is just one if my favourites. Highly recommend buying this album.
Read more: E Holmes Review
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Created: Friday, 15 November 2013 15:33
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Published: Friday, 15 November 2013 15:33
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Hits: 2422
By Alison Booth (Classic Rock AOR Magazine - Nov 2013)
Ultimate relaxed AOR.
Singer with Lincoln AOR phenomenon Strangeways, Ian James Stewart demonstrates his endless talent with these 13 hypnotically relaxing songs.
This quality chilled album also features guest vocalist and musician Robert Wyatt.
Close your eyes and you'll feel like you've been transported to the blues clubs of the Deep South, the thought-provoking mellow songs infused with rock, perfectly blending with Ian's distinct vocals.
Issues like war, politics and love are covered, as well as a tribute to jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker.
Read more: Classic Rock Review
