It is with sadness that we hear of the passing of the great Irish jazz guitarist Louis Stewart.

Louis first came to prominance in the 1960's as a member of the Tubby Hayes Quintet, before joining Ronnie Scott's band and playing regularly at Ronnie's club in London.

In the early 70's he toured Europe with the Benny Goodman Orchestra and also played on several George Shearing albums.

In the mid 80's he toured as a guitar duo with Martin Taylor and they recorded an album together called Acoustic Duets. (Here's a link). His association with Martin Taylor led to him touring alongside Martin with the legendary Stephane Grappelli for one UK tour in 1986.

Louis worked ocassionally in Norway with Norwegian jazz musicians, but laterly rarely strayed too far from his beloved Ireland where he played a regular jazz gig once a week in a Dublin pub.

He was a truly great jazz guitarist who never fully received the recognition his talent deserved, but fortunately his catalogue of recordings will ensure that his music lives on.