The L.A. Daily News described him as, ‘the best blues guitarist from any country in decades’. Meanwhile Guitar And Bass magazine wrote that he was in the ‘top ten British Blues guitarists of all time’. Heady stuff indeed, so does this album live up to this tidal wave of appreciation?
The short answer is a resounding yes. This album is, for me, his finest hour to date and temptingly whets the appetite for what is surely to come. It has to be said that the opener, “What I Wanna Hear”, is precisely that. Next up, “Live Wire”, smoulders along nicely towards a soulful “War We Wage”.
“Betting Man” makes an early bid for attention amid this strong set before handing over to the slowly simmering blues of “Lay It Down”. At just under nine minutes this is a real album highlight. Despite knowing exactly where this standard blues line will take you the impossibly smooth guitar playing alongside the intoxicating keys of Jonny Henderson make it a fine example of all things many of us find irresistible about this style of music.
“Can’t Put You Down” picks up the pace with a touch of funk before the first cover, Freddie King’s, “Woman Across The River” eases in. The silky “Nothing Left” reintroduces a late night jazz atmosphere whilst “I Told Ya” takes the vibe even further leaving you cutting through the smoke to reach the bar.
“Stranger Blues” has Schofield stamping his mark all over this cover of Elmore James’ song. “Not Raining Now” eases us home to the end of a highly impressive album. Matt’s vocals are strong without ever over reaching and the band is as tight as whatever analogy surrounding a duck’s anatomy you would care to use.
Matt Schofield has delivered his finest album to date and one that leaves you feeling refreshingly safe in the knowledge that there is plenty more of this yet to come.
For more information, along with details of how to catch a gig call in on Matt Schofield's Myspace page or his official website.
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