Welcome to the reactivated Livia Records, Ireland’s first dedicated jazz record label, established in 1977. For nearly a decade, Livia Records captured the world-class performances of jazz legend Louis Stewart and his contemporaries.
Although the label stopped releasing new material in the late 1990s, and ceased sales after the founder, Gerald Davis, passed away in 2005, the music continues to be held in high esteem by jazz fans.
Now, after years in storage, we have unearthed the original master tapes of Livia’s recordings from 1977 to 1986. With great care, we have catalogued and digitized them to restore and protect these great recordings so that we can give them new life and share them with older and new fans.
Louis The First ~ 2024 re-release GET IT HERE
The long-awaited re-release of guitar genius Louis Stewart’s 1976 debut as a leader.
Beautifully remastered, this edition allows listeners to fully appreciate Louis “on fire” with its improved mix and the bonus track, Wayne Shorter’s Footprints.
Louis the First features nine tracks – five trio, one bass-guitar duet, and three solo guitar that point to the magic of his solo masterpiece, Out On His Own (1977).
Recorded in Dublin’s Trend Studios, in September 1975, and released in 1976, Louis the First captures the guitarist,
who by then was gaining international recognition, on home turf.
It includes an extra track, a 16-page booklet with the original sleeve notes and new, extended notes including recollections from Louis’ long-term friend, pianist Jim Doherty, and a trove of previously unseen photographs.
Long awaited vinyl release of OUT ON HIS OWN GET IT HERE
A newly remastered, 180-gram vinyl edition of Irish guitarist Louis Stewart’s masterpiece OUT ON HIS OWN. The first pressing since the 1980s.
Recorded in late 1976 and released in 1977 (LP and cassette) and CD in 1995, this new edition includes extensive sleeve notes by Irish Times jazz critic Cormac Larkin and a trove of previously unseen photographs.
Some Other Blues Still on sale
After the success of our first remastered release of Louis Stewart’s seminal album “Out on His Own,” we’re delighted to announce the release of SOME OTHER BLUES is a major release from Irish guitar giant Louis Stewart and his friend and collaborator, pianist, Noel Kelehan.
Out On His Own still on sale
– ‘Luminous Guitar Playing’ – Ray Comiskey, Irish Times. – ‘A master craftsman whose playing bears the hallmark of extraordinary quality’ – Tony Wilson, Evening Herald. – ‘Every Irish music lover should have all of Louis’ albums Jack Lynch, Hot Press. – ‘This album will come, I believe, to be one of his masterworks’ – Derek Jewell, Sunday Times. – ‘In my book he is one of the world’s great guitarists’ – Ronnie Scott |
This album is just the beginning of what we have planned for the future. We have many more exciting releases in the pipeline, so keep an ear out, spread the word, and stay tuned to the rejuvenated Livia Records.