Personnel:
Gloria Stewart (vcl), Manfred Burzlaff (vib), Bob Degen (p), Michael Bahner (b), Michael Dennert (d)
Reference: FSRCD1161
Bar code: 8427328611619
Gloria Stewart (1926-1974) arrived in Barcelona in the summer of 1959 from her native New York with a modest career as a singer. After performing in the coastal town of Sitges, she settled in Barcelona and began singing with The Jazz Brothers at the clandestine club Jack's, which quickly became a jazz hotspot until its closure.
In early 1960, she joined the lineup at Jamboree, where she continued performing with The Jazz Brothers as the club established itself as the city's most important jazz venue. Before long, Gloria became known as Barcelona's jazz muse. She performed with prominent local musicians such as Tete Montoliu and took part in the film 'Juventud a la intemperie' (1961).
In 1962, the murder of a businessman shook the jazz scene. Some of those involved were regulars at Jamboree, and Gloria was arrested on suspicion of complicity. Although she was exonerated, she was forced to leave Spain in January 1963 due to issues with her residency papers. She moved to Berlin, where she recorded her only album with vibraphonist Manfred Burzlaff's quartet. Later, she performed in London and joined the cast of the musical 'Hair' in 1968.
In 1971, Gloria returned to Spain and retired in Ibiza, where she lived until her passing in 1974. These were her only recordings, showcasing a singer with a distinctive vocal personality, emotional depth, and impeccable taste. For those who remember and admire her, this rare album is a long-awaited treasure. For new listeners, it is a remarkable discovery—an invitation to rediscover this lost voice of jazz and experience the warmth and elegance of Gloria Stewart's artistry.
—Jordi Pujol
"Look, since I write for a jazz website, I pride myself on being fairly encyclopedic concerning my knowledge of jazz. So, when Fresh Sound Records releases a handful of female singers that I’ve never even heard of before, it’s quite a humbling experience. This latest release of obscure ladies makes me question not only my general knowledge of jazz vocals, but the whole arc of jazz singing in modern era, as each of these singers have their own unique voice. Sure, there are hints of the Mount Rushmore of Ladies of Song, but the fact that they’ve been overlooked is quite the scandal.
Spending the bulk of her career in Spain, Gloria Stewart carved a niche for her career in Europe while we Americans were eschewing jazz for the assault of rock and roll. This 1965 album, recorded in Berlin with Manfred Burzlaff/vib, Bob Degen/p, Michael Bahner/b and Michael Dennert/dr displays a clear and warm effortless delivery. She has an alluring voice that draws you in, hinting at Barbara Lewis of “Hello Stranger” fame, as she takes on standards with confidence. She’s got a wink in her eye on “Day In Day Out” and a glimmer for “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”. You can feel the smile on her face for “Give Me The Simple Life” and wink on “The Lady Is A Tramp”. The liner notes are essential reading to see how a talented artist makes a living without compromising her vision."
—George W. Harris (September 8, 2025)
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