Rave Reviews: Macie Stewart & Lia Kohl
photo by Julia Dratel.
Pocket Full of Bees is the debut release from the Chicago-based duo of Macie Stewart & Lia Kohl, and was our very first release on the digital only ASTRAL EDITIONS imprint back in March 2019. Stewart & Kohl have weaved their way through the Chicago music scene playing in groups such as Ohmme, ZRL, Marker, MOCREP, and The Few as well as guesting on recordings that range from Tim Daisy to Steve Gunn to Circuit des Yeux. Think of them as “up and coming” but also as “they’ve already made a significant impact while you weren’t watching.” Regardless keep your eyes and ears open, there will be more from this duo in early 2020!
“Though harmonious, the music is not necessarily melodious. Heavy use of extended techniques on the strings contributes to an environment that’s often tense, always timbrally rich, and alternately playful and plaintive. It’s not trance-inducing but it is meditative. And there’s a kind of soulfulness or spiritual nakedness approached here.” — Keith Prosk, Free Jazz Blog
EDIT: to add to this post, we just found out that Macie Stewart was listed in the “Rising Stars - Violinist” Category of the Downbeat Critics Poll in the June 2019 issue! Well deserved indeed!
Read some nice words about this amazing record at the fine places below and grab a digital copy now!
The Wire Magazine , May 2019 Issue, Jazz & Improv Column.