Biography

Legendary artist Alice Stuart continues her love affair with Blues, Folk and Rock with her latest project, Alice Stuart & The Formerlys, a Blues/Folk band which encompasses her many decades of musical experience.

The group’s debut studio album, Freedom, (produced by Jim Gaines and featuring Steve Potts on drums) is a celebration of life with songs such as “I’ve Got Somethin’ For You,” “Sophia” and the title track, "Freedom", which accentuates the group’s idea that spirit is more important than age and music is more important than a genre. The album encapsulates the spirit of Stuart’s life and career.

Alice Stuart was born and raised in the tiny city of Chelan, WA, where she learned to play the drums and piano. Little did anyone know that the young pianist would grow up to be one of Rock music’s pioneering women, who would go on to influence artists such as Bonnie Raitt.

After graduating from high school in 1962, she began her music career in Seattle relocating to California two years later where she was discovered by director of the Berkeley Folk Festival, Barry Olivier. Weeks later, she was sharing the stage with artists such as Joan Baez, Doc Watson and Mississippi John Hurt (with whom she formed a close friendship). That success led to a recording contract with Arhoolie Records which released her debut album All The Good Times. The end of the 60’s saw her working alongside Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention, performing with Rosalie Sorrells, Jack Elliott, Doc Watson, Jerry Ricks, Phil Ochs and Joan Baez, the releasing of her album Fulltime Woman, and giving birth to her son.

All the songs on Full Time Woman, Alice’s first Fantasy record, were penned by Alice Stuart. The title song was hailed by Jerry Wexler as one of the best written songs he had ever heard. It was covered by Jackie DeShannon , Irma Thomas, and Kate Wolf. Waylon Jennings produced Alice’s song, “I Lose Control”, from her second album, Believing, for Jimmy Rabbit.

Alice’s songs are each story based and reflect a realism from a woman’s perspective, which has made her life long fans . Her version of Chris Walls’ “I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight” , Bob Dylan’s “One Too Many Mornings”, and D. Amry’s “Night Patrol” are all strong testaments to Alice’s prowess as a lyric interrupter.

After two decades of groundbreaking firsts’ (guitar player, band leader and international performer), Stuart retired from music to raise her family. However, Alice Stuart could not stay retired; and, in 1994 she began writing and performing again before co-establishing The Formerlys. The three formerlys co- penned the instrumental, “Sophia” and “I Won’t Bleed”. Freedom includes Marc Willet’s ska tune “Harmony” and Steve Flynn’s “Rhythm Train”. Alice’s “Basket Case”, “If You Want It To Last”, and "I’ve Got Something For You" are each given the Formerlys’ touch.

The Formerlys were born in 1999, when Stuart met bassist Marc Willett. And with the addition of keyboardist, Steven Flynn , The Formerlys were complete: three seasoned music veterans named after their lengthy solo careers.

.Marc Willett is an accomplished bassist, recording engineer, and songwriter, who was a member of The Kingsmen from 1984 – 1992 as well as a member of Paul Allen’s The Grown Men, Stolen Ogre and Freddy Fender. He has also had the honor of backing up many touring artists including Dave Stewart (The Eurythmics), Dan Aykroyd, Tom Scott, Little Feat and Lou Reed.

Flynn has played with Chuck Berry and Jr. Cadillac and has provided his keyboard skills to hundreds of touring acts. He is one of Washington’s most sought-after session player. Williams is a devoted drummer who began his music career during his teens. He has worked with Bobby Caldwell, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, The Plimsouls, Morris Day and the Time, Quincy Jones and is a staple of Washington’s music scene.

If your project needs a feminist anthem or a song reflecting pivotal experiences in a woman’s life, you must check out the song catalog of Alice Stuart. For more information visit: www.alicestuart.com or email james_mac@comcast.net.