Matt Anderson - Second Time Around

New Brunswick's Matt Anderson has built a great reputation on the European and Stateside Live Blues circuit as a rootsy acoustic laden Blues craftsman.

'Second Time Around' follows his introductory E.P and two criticallyacclaimed live albums - so has the man deliverd the goods in a studio setting?

Overview!

‘Second Time Around’ features a combination of self-penned acoustic slide guitar infused laid backed originals, often with just acoustic and Matt’s authentic Americana vocals to the fore. Matt’s voice deservedly takes centre stage on a lot of this album, and it’s clear that he comes from the traditional – as opposed to British invasion – side of the blues fence. His guitar is a veritable showcase on atmospheric and authentic playing – not for Matt high octane electric grandstanding. There’s a real authenticity to this album: it’s gentle laid back combination of ‘real’ country and rootsy American Folk, with a blues edge, is a real tonic for the Modern Age.

‘Leavin’ Blues, ‘I Play The Fool For You’ and many of the others all follow the same formula of minimal production but great finesse. ‘Lay Down With Me’ is evocative, ‘Tell Me’ a laidback slow blues shuffle with lashings of acoustic and Matt’s life worn vocals, and ‘Rollin’ Home’ a sweet reflective ballad. Great versions of Bill Withers’ sublime ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and Steve Earls ‘My Old Friend The Blues’ round up a collection of laid back songs that suits those moments when you need your blues fix but with a more relaxed edge.

Conclusion

This is music that would be a treat to witness in a live environment - preferably somewhere in rural America with a po’ boy sandwich, and ice cold bottle of Jax on the go with the aroma of a freshly slaughtered Hog on the barbecue. You can just imagine what it would be when the good ol’ boys get their fiddles out for a jam with the band as the sun goes down…