During and after high school, Stewart played gigs and performed with many of the local big bands, sharing the stage with Louis Bellson, Bill Watrous, and Matt Catingub. Stewart also enjoyed a steady gig with the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band Stewart developed an interest in clarinet, which sparked him to transcribe all of Eddie Daniels' solos off his "To Bird with Love LP." As Stewart delved further into transcribing solo's his journey took him to the sounds of Cannonball Adderley. Stewart then began the huge project of transcribing all of Cannonball Adderley's solos, hence the beginning of a sincere interest and deep love of Cannonball Adderley, which would be the basis of his latest release.

Doc Stewart wanted to produce a fresh sound that did not simply duplicate the Cannonball Adderley Quintet, so tenor sax was used instead of Nat Adderley's coronet sound. Doc Stewart composed all the arrangements with this thought in mind. This CD celebrates the Golden Anniversary of Bird's passing and the fairy tale debut of Cannonball in New York in 1955, subsequently the sub-title "50 Years from Bird to Cannonball".

The disc opens with “High Fly,” an in the pocket swinging, hire wire act of musical textures and technique with tenor saxman, Lucas Pino burning riffs that will light your ears on fire and Stewart in the alto sax seat creating rhythmic complexities and equally spicy hot offerings.

“Work Song,” continues the dramatic excursion, keeping the temperature at a boiling point. Phoenix is a fitting tribute to Adderley, but not a regurgitation of the original release. This band of musical brothers really lay it down. The disc continues with “Sack O’ Woe,” again continuing a canvas for the group to paint their renditions. A nice texture change brings us to “Stars Fell on Alabama,” a beautifully touching ballad that opens with Stewart setting the mood and again showing his ability to not only deliver high energy soloing but to beautifully articulate the beauty of a ballad. The disc continues with rhythmic adventures and a plethora of technical prowess, there is never a dull moment or a lack of energy. This tribute to Cannonball shines in its own spotlight as a worthwhile release that can stand on its own.

Phoenix is truly a disc worth adding to your collection, with focus towards the jazz enthusiast who likes their release filled with meat, this disc also delivers a generous helping of potatoes and vegetables on the side.

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