Owen Stewart finds a new following with a formidable Free At Noon

No better way to start your weekend than listening to a brand new band. Owen Stewart and his crew released their new album, Done And Dusted, today, on October 11th. Though the singer-songwriter has been active in the Philadelphia scene for over a decade — playing with artists like Ruby The Hatchet, Kiska, Desoto Jones, and the Credence cover band Kensington Clearwater Revival — the new group for his solo project played not only for the first time for Free at Noon, but their first time ever in front of a live audience, and boy did they kill it.

They started off the show with a powerful song, “Time Served,” involves all 16 members of the band — which includes four saxophonists (Jay Davidson, Sean Hur, Jason O’Mara, Gabe Preston), one trumpet player (Matt Salazar), two pianists (Adam Flicker, Keaton Thandi), a drummer (Joshua Friedman), a percussionist (Davey Ulrich), two guitarists (Ali Awan, James Everhart), a bassist (Lucas Rinz), three backup singers (Todd Fausnacht, Laura Nunzi, Ali Wadsworth) and Stewart on vocals. Together, they are truly a beautifully orchestrated band. With so many different components, they are able to pull it all together and play uplifting, head bobbing music without failure. This carried into “Nobody Needs To Know” to tremendous cheering from the crowd.

The rock group implements various subgenres of rock, including folk, blues, and even a classic Americana style, something and you could hear collide on “Punching Bag” and “Take Care.” Their ability to flip from a slower groove to faster, upbeat vibe is what makes them so engaging.

Stewart’s powerful voice is backed up by more beautiful vocals from Fausnacht, Nunzi, and Wadsworth. Their softer, higher-pitched tones mesh perfectly with Stewart’s gravely deliver. In the song “Sailor’s Return” however, the instrument playing is more upbeat and joyous, with faster paced singing.

The next two songs, “Over The Hill” and “Heel Dragger” both consisted of the same high-spirited rock themes, both of which utilized each and every instrument on stage, which the crowd of course loved. The final two songs, “Let The Band Load In” and and off-air encore of “JJ Cale Lies,” used a slower tempo to wrap up the concert, where Stewart gave a heartfelt thank you to the crowd, World Cafe Live and XPN for the opportunity.

The band’s next official gig is a month away: at Warehouse On Watts with S.T.O.P. and the Riff Mountain DJs. Tickets and information here; see photos and the setlist from today’s Free at Noon below.