24 American Caprices
Bright Shiny Things, 2026
9/10
Listen to 24 American Caprices
The 7 time Grammy Nominated violinst/composer Curtis Stewart takes inspiration from plenty of names we all know for these 24 American Caprices that recruit guest violinists and students taught by Stewart.
“Inspired By David Bowie: Modern Love” opens and showcases Stewart’s dancing strings with much charm, and it isn’t long until “Inspired By Bob Dylan: Blowing In The Wind” moves cautiously at first, with much richness and strong tonality, before the quick dynamics enter.
Further along into Disc 1, “Inspired By Taylor Swift: Shake It Off” puts a classical spin on the pop tune thanks to Jory Lane, while “Inspired By Joni Mitchell: Big Yellow Taxi” sees Lin-Chi Chuang putting a very unpredictable angle on the classic.
Disc 2 is also full of songs we all love. “Inspired By Billy Strayhorn: Take The A Train” allows for Stewart’s meticulous playing to mesmerize us, and “Inspired By Aretha Franklin: Rock Steady” exits with Stewart’s inimitable prowess doing justice to the legendary track.
An effort that pays tribute to the history of violin performance and American culture, Stewart and his company make each song a technical and playful rendition that radiates in its own light while still honoring the original artist’s vision.
Travels well with: Curtis Stewart- Seasons Of Change; Nicholas Finch- Cellostatus