Matt Schofield Trio – Ear To The Ground (Nugene Records).
Manchester’s finest Matt Schofield returns with his fourth album and makes it a set of two apiece for live and studio albums. He has recently been voted by Guitar & Bass magazine as one of the Top 10 British Bluesmen of all time and that is some accolade. Just as he was influenced by Albert Collins and Robben Ford he now is regularly quoted as being an influence on many a young British guitarist. Although a studio album, Ear To The Ground was recorded live with the band in a single room and the overdubs were kept to a minimum. They open with Freddie King’s Pack It Up and turn it into a funky blues, strong both musically and vocally. Nine Schofield and band written originals follow and start with Troublemaker. This gives Jonny Henderson on keyboards a chance to shine, and he takes it. Schofield joins in with Albert Collins influenced runs as he burns up the frets. The eponymous title track is a grittier, tougher blues altogether and the trio get into a groove. Heart Don’t Need A Compass is a slow brooder. Schofield’s guitar is a star – jazzy and much influenced by Albert King’s Stax period. Once In A While is even slower and has a Gospel feel surrounding it – classy guitar.
Room At The Back, a short instrumental that allows free flow guitar, allows Schofield to tip the nod to such bands as The Meters and Soulive. Someone has a full blown harmonica burst from ‘Big Pete’ Van Der Pluym and is heavier than most on offer. It builds well and the guitar and harp work well together. Searchin’ (Give Me A Sign) is jazzy blues with an edge – slinky guitar and reputed to be Matt’s favourite. Move Along is full blown jazz/blues with Schofield and Johnny Henderson in synchronization. A fast paced, energetic instrumental with drummer Evan Jenkins chipping in to complete a classic organ trio song. Cookie Jar is organ based but Schofield steals the show and turns it into a highlight. When It All Comes Down is a BB King cover and a great finish. It is different enough from the original but still keeps the ethos. Schofield manages to sound like the great man on guitar and it sounds as if everyone who was in the studio that day is involved in the sing-along finish.
The Matt Schofield trio have an album that keeps them in the highest echelons of British Blues.
http://www.mattschofield.com/
http://www.nugenerecords.com/
David Blue.
Manchester’s finest Matt Schofield returns with his fourth album and makes it a set of two apiece for live and studio albums. He has recently been voted by Guitar & Bass magazine as one of the Top 10 British Bluesmen of all time and that is some accolade. Just as he was influenced by Albert Collins and Robben Ford he now is regularly quoted as being an influence on many a young British guitarist. Although a studio album, Ear To The Ground was recorded live with the band in a single room and the overdubs were kept to a minimum. They open with Freddie King’s Pack It Up and turn it into a funky blues, strong both musically and vocally. Nine Schofield and band written originals follow and start with Troublemaker. This gives Jonny Henderson on keyboards a chance to shine, and he takes it. Schofield joins in with Albert Collins influenced runs as he burns up the frets. The eponymous title track is a grittier, tougher blues altogether and the trio get into a groove. Heart Don’t Need A Compass is a slow brooder. Schofield’s guitar is a star – jazzy and much influenced by Albert King’s Stax period. Once In A While is even slower and has a Gospel feel surrounding it – classy guitar.
Room At The Back, a short instrumental that allows free flow guitar, allows Schofield to tip the nod to such bands as The Meters and Soulive. Someone has a full blown harmonica burst from ‘Big Pete’ Van Der Pluym and is heavier than most on offer. It builds well and the guitar and harp work well together. Searchin’ (Give Me A Sign) is jazzy blues with an edge – slinky guitar and reputed to be Matt’s favourite. Move Along is full blown jazz/blues with Schofield and Johnny Henderson in synchronization. A fast paced, energetic instrumental with drummer Evan Jenkins chipping in to complete a classic organ trio song. Cookie Jar is organ based but Schofield steals the show and turns it into a highlight. When It All Comes Down is a BB King cover and a great finish. It is different enough from the original but still keeps the ethos. Schofield manages to sound like the great man on guitar and it sounds as if everyone who was in the studio that day is involved in the sing-along finish.
The Matt Schofield trio have an album that keeps them in the highest echelons of British Blues.
http://www.mattschofield.com/
http://www.nugenerecords.com/
David Blue.
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