Stew Cutler & Friends

Undercover (Mostly)

Independent

Stew Cutler’s eighth recording, scheduled for release on February 6, 2026, is a nine-track collection featuring seven covers and two originals. Seven of the tracks are fully instrumental, showcasing Cutler’s virtuoso command of both guitar and harmonica. The remaining two cuts feature the smooth, passionate vocals of Bobby Harden. The album was recorded in the fall of 2025 at Brooksman Studios in Queens, New York, and co-produced by Cutler, Jerry Brooks, Gabe Caplan, and Art Labriola. The executive producer is Gary Siegel.

Cutler handles guitars and harmonica and is joined by a tight, fiery band including Tom Wilson and Etienne Lytle on keyboards, Chulo Gatewood on bass, and Bill McLellan on drums.

The album opens with “Close to You,” written by Burt Bacharach and first recorded by The Carpenters in 1970. “Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum,” a Wayne Shorter composition originally released in 1966, follows, with Cutler reimagining the jazz classic through the lens of Texas blues in the spirit of Stevie Ray Vaughan.

“Summer Breeze,” the Seals & Crofts hit from 1972, gently percolates thanks to McLellan’s subtle drumming and Cutler’s melodic guitar phrasing. “At the End of the Day” is the first of the two originals, co-written by Cutler and Harden, and features expressive harmonica from Cutler paired with Harden’s soulful vocal.

“The Way You Make Me Feel” transforms Michael Jackson’s 1987 pop classic into a funky blues vehicle, highlighted by Cutler’s inventive use of guitar harmonics. “Buried Alive in the Blues,” written by Nick Gravenites, brings Harden’s explosive vocal energy to the forefront, simmering in a rich blues-and-R&B groove.

“Betcha by Golly,” written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed and made famous by The Stylistics in 1972, receives a fresh instrumental treatment. “Long Time Joe,” the second original, finds Cutler pushing his guitar work to a frenzy while Harden delivers a confident and impassioned vocal performance.

The album closes with “Country Girl,” written by Neil Young and first recorded by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young on their 1970 Déjà Vu album. Cutler offers a refreshing and respectful reinterpretation that brings the record full circle.

Over the years, Stew Cutler has shared stages and studios with an impressive list of luminaries including Z.Z. Hill, Percy Sledge, Wilson Pickett, Fontella Bass, Earl King, David Sanborn, Bill Frisell, Meat Loaf, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Sweet Georgia Brown, and many others. He has also contributed to the soundtrack of the television series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Cutler sums it up simply, noting that playing the blues is much like living life itself.

Richard Ludmerer

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