Schofield, Matt: Anything But Time

Matt Schofield, from Britain, is a rhythm and blues guitarist who has achieved fame in a short period of time. He has played in twelve different countries, with numerous blues icons, and is "listed in the Penguin Book of Blues Recordings as one of the two living British artist in recording history to gain a maximum four – star rating" (http://www.nugenerecords.com/artists.php?id=1&page=biography, 2011).

This album was recorded at the Music Shed in New Orleans. John Porter, (BB King, Buddy Guy, and Santana), produced, mixed and mastered the album.

Matt Schofield handles all lead guitar and vocals; Johnny Henderson plays Hammond B3 organ, bass keys, and Wurlitzer electric piano; Kevin Hayes plays drums and percussion, and special guest, Jon Cleary plays piano, Wurlitzer and clavinet. All of the tracks on the album are written by Schofield and Dorothy Whittick except 'At Times We Do Forget', and 'Where Do I have to Stand'.

This is a very good blues album filled with original and classic sounds that will both bring back memories and create new ones.

'Anything But Time' opens with driving blues guitar and that Hammond, with great bass and drum support. Schofield has a great Robin Trower/Stevie Ray Vaughan, (SRV), vocal mix and plays similar to both players. He's not quite as powerful on vocals as Stevie and sounds more like Trower vocally. But like SRV, he lets the guitar do most of the talking. An excellent opener to get things off to a fast start.

'See Me Through' is a great slow blues SRV – like song full of excellent piano and that wonderful Hammond. The drums and bass provide great balance to the sound. The soloing from all musicians is something that just takes you away from all the elements of the day, like a good blues song should. A nice, long, over 6 minute guitar soloing experience that just brings back so many memories of some of SRV's best.

'At Times We Do Forget' brings back a faster pace and beat complete with Schofield in front on lead guitar and that excellent Hammond and bass supporting. Those familiar Steve Winwood lyrics off 'Nine Lives' make this one of the best songs on the album. The guitar solos are fantastic and are highlighted well with those smashing drums. Schofield pretty well plays it straight ahead as a tribute to Steve. "Oh, oh, dream on".

'Shipwrecked' is a nice blues rocker which that Hammond just warmly embraces and fills with sound. The drums, bass and Schofield's lead and soloing are superb.

'Dreaming of You' slows things down again with a great deep guitar riff. This one has Hendrix's sound all over it. Sounds like a very good 'Axis' kind of tune. "Wanna dream again". They even add in some of those psychedelic keys and high pitched chords just to make it sound more authentic. The Hammond is like a well-lit flame shining a light with the bass and drums throughout the song.

'Wrapped Up in Love' is another great classic blues sound. "You say you don't wanna marry me, you just wanna be my friend". More great soloing with drums, Hammond and bass in support.

'Where Do I Have to Stand' is a classic blues rhythm which Schofield solos perfectly to as the Hammond, bass, and drums keep time in support. The longest of the tracks full of great blues lead guitar.

On 'One Look and I'm Hooked', Schofield, brings some funky vocals, that almost sound altered, with some of the best that the Hammond can offer, set to wonderful drums and a funky back rhythm swampy sound. Yeh, a great 'fishin' story.

'Don't Know What I'd Do' is a straight ahead blues song full of soul.

'Share Our Smile Again' completes the album with some great blues guitar. Great lyrics and vocals to leave you wanting to come back for more.

Track Listing
1 Anything But Time
2 See Me Through
3 At Times We Do Forget
4 Shipwrecked
5 Dreaming Of You
6 Wrapped Up in Love
7 Where Do I Have To Stand
8 One Look (and I'm Hooked)
9 Don't Know What I'd Do
10 Share Our Smile Again

Added: June 5th 2011
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 2852
Language: english

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