? Don Stewart and band launch new CD Tender Lies with a show tonight at the Silk Purse, 1570 Argyle Ave West Vancouver. Showtime 7: 30 p.m. Tickets $25.
DON Stewart has always loved singing and can play percussion too, but these days he's a triple threat.
Over the past few years, the jazz performer has discovered his inner writer, generating enough content for three original albums.
He is currently promoting Tender Lies - a collaboration between himself and musician/ producer Miles Black.
"Miles is unbelievable as a musician and we just really connect and we just pull off stuff at will," says Stewart, a former North Shore resident.
He and Black, who plays piano, bass and sax, will be performing at a concert tonight at the Silk Purse Arts Centre. Accompanying them will be some serious local talent, including pianist Michael Creber and vocalists Joani Bye and Glenda Rae.
"It's going to have energy, it's going to hit all elements of the emotional spectrum," says Stewart.
Stewart's first attempt at writing came during a difficult time in his life, when a friend was dying of cancer.
The piece, called "The Gate," brought a smile to his friend's face, and Stewart felt motivated to continue writing.
Inspiration, he said, comes from life's struggles. "Crime of Innocence" is based on a woman who spent years self-mutilating.
"I like to be just in touch with what's happening around me and I like to look at things more than one way," said Stewart.
"If I take a break up, I like to look at it from both sides." Working with Black often meant meeting halfway, he says.
"He sees something when he's putting a song together. . . .
I don't necessarily go in the same direction but it always ends up that we're both smiling at the end of it."
Originally from Ontario, Stewart has been singing since he was a child. His mother was a missionary and a musician and his father is a reverend.
"I'm not necessarily a holy roller but. . . I see some of that stuff in my writing sometimes," says Stewart, who has been in several bands.
Attendees at Friday's show can expect to hear plenty of new material off Tender Lies and Stewart's unreleased album Midnight Hour.
"I'm pretty proud of what we're doing," says Stewart.
"I'm looking forward to presenting my stuff I'm just really happy to get them hear what Miles has created."
The concert begins at 7: 30 p.m. For tickets, $25, go to www.brownpapertickets.com or call 1-800-838-3006 or 604921-5952.
On Saturday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. Stewart and the band will also perform at the PAL Studio Theatre, 581 Cardero Street.
