Robben Ford Discussion

diatonicdude · Posted: Thu May 12, 2011 1:56 am Post subject: Matt Schofield : new CD and tour

Well, I feel compelled to make you all aware of this fantastic artist, although I know a few of you have already enjoyed his music already.

I saw Matt and his latest incarnation of his trio (Johnny Henderson: keys and Kevin Hayes: drums) in Oxford (UK) on Monday and was completely blown away. I cannot recall being this blown away ever, and I have seen some fantastic arstists over the years, including Matt in his early years. He has matured into an incredible contemporary blues artist.

He mainly played material from his new CD (out in June) called "Anything but time", and the bands musicianship, general vibe and tone were outstanding; think Robben and the blue line at their very best.

I picked the CD up from the gig, which I have to say is probably one of the best blues CDs I have purchased for years, and it a must if you like Robben's style of blues.

Let me get this straight, Robben's playing and Matt's are not the same (Matt is not a clone of RF), they just both have a brilliant command of the jazzy/funky side of the blues. Bottom line, a very, very highly recommended CD. I think you get the picture!

You guys in the USA can catch him on tour here;

http://www.mattschofield.net/shows.html

Enjoy!

DD

P.S. Can't wait for more new material from Robben. Bring it on.
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Music is the universal language; speak it with emotion, listen with a passion.

roadwarriorfortheblues · Posted: Sat May 14, 2011 8:48 am Post subject:

I really want to see Matt Schofield! It looks like he's skipped the southeast on the dates listed -- a wise decision given the pitiful attendance observed at the last two festivals I went to.

I don't know what's going on... the Clearwater festival was $5, or you could pick up free tickets from the main sponsor. The weather was delightful, but the park was mostly empty during the day and filled up a bit for the headliners. Admission for the Kissimmee festival was ten times the cost of Clearwater, but it was still a good deal for people staying for the nine bands (half of the bands were brought in from the West Coast.) There were about 30 people who stayed for all the music. Both festivals featured great line ups. I wish there had been more music fans to enjoy the music with.

Maybe Matt could swing down through Florida after the festival in Wheeling in late August? It's hurricane season, but folks (like me Wink

) still need their Blues! Very Happy

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diatonicdude · Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 1:40 am Post subject:

Found this on the TGP web. Seems like Matt is making waves over in the states!

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=909517

Cheers,

DD

PS the CD is very, very good!
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Music is the universal language; speak it with emotion, listen with a passion.

VanZapp · Member Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 17 Location: Norfolk, UK

Just got Matts new CD and totally aggree with you DD. Excellent playing and a really good quality recording. Matt has the knack of combining taste and musicality in his playing, much like Robben but with his own distinctive take on the Blues.

I can also recommend Matts DVD 'Blues Guitar Artistry' as a worth while watch and listen.

JohnnyZ · Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 9:04 am Post subject:

roadwarriorfortheblues · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 6:53 am Post subject:

I went on a Matt Schofield shopping spree in London and bought the new CD, "Anything But Time", "Ear to the Ground" (2007) and the DVD "Matt Schofield Blues Guitar Artistry", which includes full-band performances.

I've listened to both CDs and my first impression is that Matt is a wonderful songwriter in the Blues genre. The lyrics are perfectly paired with his bold guitar style. There's a natural balance to his original compositions that make the meaning of his songs believeable. They are modern day blues ballads, much like Robben's original songs with lyrics. To my ears, Matt's "voice" (and he has a wonderful singing voice as well as excellent guitar chops) leads Matt's music, whereas Robben's "guitar" leads Robben's music.

I haven't had a chance to use the DVD yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

As I mentioned before, I was in London, and I was really surprised by how busy HMV was. Many music superstores in the US have gone out of business, but the HMV in Trocadero was hopping. Their Blues section wasn't as big as the used Blues CD shops I shop at in the Tampa area, but they had a very big selection of other genres of music.

My favorite thing about London was happening under the HMV. It was the street dancers who have a perfect underground venue for practicing their moves. There's even an elevated viewing area for spectators. There were some really talented young dancers -- male and female -- practicing their moves, helping each other learn new spins (head spins, hand spins, every kind of spin). Just ONE boom box and everyone was happy at work. This place isn't in any travel book but maybe it should be; we stumbled across it on our way to the TokyoToys Manga store (also in the Trocadero), where my daughter had her own shopping spree.
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Travelling by train of thought

roadwarriorfortheblues · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 5:24 am Post subject: