Earl Louis Stewart considers the art of composition to be more than a profession, but also a spiritual exercise. Thus, he uses the word “Identity’ as a part of the title of all of his works. To him, composing affords him the opportunity to engage in his spiritual search for God.

Symphonies, chamber works, and solo works all reflect, in a very real sense, the musical background of Dr. Stewart: the sum of the American urban folk tradition, i.e. spirituals, blues, soul music, gospel music, jazz, and folk-based African music retentions. It also reflects the classical influences of his mentors including Alvin Batiste, Gerard Behague, Kent Kennan, Karl Korte, and Joseph Schwantner.

These seven rags from composer Earl Louis Stewart aggregate a bevy of influences and rag styles.

1. Black Forever Rag
2. Effervescent Rag
3. A Glimpse Into Another World Rag
4. Midsummer Rag
5. Musics the One I Love
6. Rag in F Major
7. Strange Mood Rag