Jazziz Magazine recently featured our album, Bonk, in their new releases section. Check it out!

Check out the new album, Bonk. 

I am pleased to release my third album of original music. A blend of instrumental groove-based jazz and funk, we were fortunate to add trumpeter Farnell Newton (Othership Connection, Jill Scott, Bootsy Collins) to the Quartet.

One of the most versatile musicians in the Pacific Northwest, Farnell regularly sits in with the top groups touring through Portland, sharing the stage with stage with Skerik, Lettuce, Karl Denson, Galactic and the Portland Cello Project. Farnell's contribution to music education is equally impressive and includes founding Jam of the Week, an online community of more than 68,000 musicians that share and encourage personal advancement of the artform.  

In addition to Farnell, the album also features the dynamic combo of Mac Brown (guitar), Spencer Finnan (keys), Drew Nelson (bass), and Austin Stewart (drums/composer), and was recorded on April 30, 2017 at Raven Call Studio in Portland, Oregon. All songs were written, recorded and mixed by Austin Stewart. Mastered by Adam Gonsalves, Telegraph Mastering and released by Instrumental Grooves LLC, in December 2018.

Download:  iTunes, Amazon, Google Play
​Purchase CD: CD Baby
Stream: Spotify

The title track, Bonk, is a reference to a familiar sound around my house. As a father of a 4 year-old and a 2 year-old, it's a regular occurrence to hear the kids take a tumble and "bonk." It's also a reminder that even at a young age, when we have set backs or tough moments, we still naturally get back up and get after it. 

I hope you enjoy these tunes!
​

This year, we were honored to have one of our original songs featured in Priced Out, a documentary film about gentrification in Portland, Oregon. 

Priced Out looks at how skyrocketing housing prices are displacing Portland's black community and reshaping the entire city.  Directed and produced by Cornelius Swart, the film explores the complexities and contradictions of gentrification. Priced Out is a sequel to the 2002 documentary NorthEast Passage: The Inner City and the American Dream.

​The music was supervised by Farnell Newton and includes an original score by Spencer Wolf. The film features music from local artists, including Trio Subtonic, Andrew Gorny, Ezra Weiss, Barra Brown, and Farnell Newton. Our song, Where the Road Ends, from our album, Looking for a Sign, was included in the film. It features Mac Brown (guitar), Spencer Finnan (keys), Drew Nelson (bass) and Austin Stewart (drums/composer).

Priced Out premiered locally on Nov.1 2017 at the Northwest Filmmaker's Festival. Since it debuted the film has screened in Los Angeles, St, Louis and Pittsburgh.

​It has been a wonderful experience to hear our music on the big screen. We look forward to more experiences where we can combine music with moving pictures. Please reach out for licensing, scoring or collaboration opportunities.

Groovin' on the waterfront.

The Austin Stewart Quartet will be performing original funky music at Waterfront Park on Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 2:00pm - 3:30pm. Mac Brown (guitar), Spencer Finnan (keys), Drew Nelson (bass) and Austin Stewart (drums) will crank out the jams and get the afternoon rolling along.

​Come on down and dance with the robot guy while the kids run through the fountains. 

Summer at it's finest. Be there!

Spring is in the air.

​Portland is starting to bloom and the weather is turning for the better. That means that it's once again time to make some music at Portland Saturday Market!

​Come out and hang on Sunday, April 23, 2017. We'll be playing at Waterfront Park from 11:30am - 1:30pm, so a great opportunity to throw the kids in the stroller or bike down to have lunch at the market. Good times and great tunes.

​As always, Mac Brown (guitar), Spencer Finnan (keys), Drew Nelson (bass) and Austin Stewart (drums) will crank out the jams and help get your day off to a good start.

We had a wonderful time performing in 2016!

With many great shows at the Portland Saturday Market and the McMenamins White Eagle, we want to thank everyone for supporting live music. As we look forward to 2017 and releasing our next album in the months ahead, here is video of a new tune we have been kicking around, Frutiy Pebbles.

Recorded live on November 27, 2016 at McMenamins White Eagle, the tun features Mac Brown (guitar), Spencer Finnan (keys), Drew Nelson (bass) and Austin Stewart (drums).

The Austin Stewart Quartet will be at McMenamins White Eagle on Thanksgiving weekend.

We're performing on Sunday evening, November 27, 2016 at 7:00pm. Come out and shake a tail feather while working off all that Turkey Day stuffing.

​We'll be feeling thankful, feasting on original funk, jazz and soul music. Instrumental grooves by finger lickin' good Mac Brown on guitar, special sauce Spencer Finnan on keyboards, damn that's some fine gravy Drew Nelson on the bass, and sweet beets Austin Stewart on the drums.

P.S. it's free!!!!!!!

We are back at Portland Saturday Market, this time on Sunday, September 25, 2016 from 2-3:30pm. Yeah that's right, Saturday Market on Sunday! The show is free and all ages.

​There is nothing quite like it. The market has a life of its own. Artists, bucket drummers, dudes roller skating, and kids way hipper than you. And its all good! We'll break out the grooves for the good people of Portland at Waterfront Park. You can find us on the main stage just off Nato Parkway near the Burnside Bridge.

​Mac Brown (guitar), Spencer Finnan (keys), Drew Nelson (bass), and Austin Stewart (drums), will get those marketers shaking it out. You'll know its going down when the robot guy starts breaking a sweat and comes over to show off his moves. Who needs artificial intelligence when you've already got the real thing? Not the robot guy.

​Anyways, come on out and jam with us!

We are thrilled to be back at the White Eagle!

​Come on out an hang on Russell St with us on Sunday, August 7, 2016. We'll be playing some jams for happy hour from 4-6pm at the good old McMenamins White Eagle. Such a lovely atmosphere, a beautiful space and a wonderful bar staff. This gang knows how to get you on your good foot.

​You can also hear the grooves from the patio, which will be bumpin'. Old folks and young folks, new friends and old jokes. All are welcome to join us for a wonderful afternoon of good tunes and good people.

​As always, Mac Brown (guitar), Spencer Finnan (keys), Drew Nelson (bass) and (Austin Stewart (drums) will drop the beat and bring the heat.