Valeria Stewart RAICES / ROOTS

December 28, 2025

VALERIA STEWART

RAICES / ROOTS

ANTIDOTESOUNDS

Valeria Stewart, vocals/acoustic guitar; Kevin Dudley, acoustic guitar; Eugenio Ibarz, bass; Jason Walker, congas/bongos; Juan Megna, bombo leguero; Grey Jacks, harmony vocals.

After listening to so many vocal recordings, with very few offering anything unique, it was a pleasure to hear Valeria Stewart. She has a very original voice that is interpreting contemporary jazz with a touch of folk music and Americana lacing through her Latin production.

Stewart is a singer/songwriter who’s a multilinguist, singing on this project in Spanish. Not only does Valeria share her Latin roots with us, she also has composed or co-written five of the seven songs on this album.

Although I am not a Spanish speaking person, I found great appreciation and enjoyment listening to Valeria Stewart’s melodic, original music. The tunes are both dramatic and soothing. She includes one song from Cuban songwriters, a bolero, and another from Argentinian composer, titled, “Zamba de Usted.”

Stewart is also a competent guitarist. Although she is joined by the acoustic guitar of Kevin Dudley, Valeria brings her own sense of musical beauty to this production on her instrument. This is her solo debut, an all-Spanish production in co-ordination with Kevin Dudley.

When she isn’t recording or touring, this talented vocalist and songwriter works as a part-time preschool teacher for an organizations that supports families in transitional housing. To work with children, you must have a very open heart and a free spirit. This is evident in her music.

Valeria Stewart has a passion for connecting, using her music as a tool to touch hearts and souls. She hopes this wonderful album of beautiful songs will act as a bridge between people and cultures. Her warm, soothing voice is both pleasant and emotional as she tells us stories of love and loss in a most compelling way.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil