The music of Jon Matthews? Well…it’s sort of like what would happen if Barenaked Ladies moved into a house with Fleetwood Mac and Blue Rodeo, and all they listened to was Beach Boys albums.
Six years after his critically-acclaimed debut effort Bridges, Prince Edward Island singer, songwriter, producer and broadcaster Jon Matthews has unleashed his long-awaited sophomore recording don’t leave. As one of its songs laments, it’s been a long time coming.
Matthews, originally from Cape Breton, relocated to P.E.I. in 2002. He has since become a fixture on the Island music scene, performing solo and with others, manning the console at his own Big Grey Sound Studio, and on the radio at K-ROCK 105.5FM. However, other interests aside, Matthews considers himself first and foremost a tunesmith. Bridges, a compelling, self-produced collection of sparkling original material, was released to rave reviews in 2000 and led to appearances at prestigious venues like the Stan Rogers Folk Festival. Matthews has opened for, or performed with, such Canadian music luminaries as George Canyon, J.P. Cormier, Dave Gunning and James Keelaghan.
Showing his exponential growth both as an artist and producer, the new album don’t leave offers up ten crisp new original tracks -- and a couple of surprises. The album is melodic and acoustic, packed with real-life emotion and experience, and interwoven with the rock, folk, roots and Celtic influences that Matthews has soaked up through his many years of making music.
don’t leave is a breakthrough achievement, both in the strength of songwriting, and also in the sonic clarity and depth of the recordings. Matthews once again took on the challenge of playing most of the instruments, as well as arranging and singing most of the harmonies. Whether it’s the strident harmonica, mesmerizing acoustic guitars, and Brian Wilson-worthy harmonies on the album’s opening title track; the straight-up California Rumours rock sound of Helpless; the violin-tinged yearning of Taking Me Away; or the stark and stunning three-part harmonies on the heart-wrenching Bridge, Matthews pulls it off seamlessly, showing uncommon creativity and musical vision. His observational writing style never shies away from weighty subjects, from the atmospheric and haunting Fly, written about an acquaintance contemplating suicide, to Left Behind, an anthem for those who’ve gone “down the road” to jobs in the oil patch, to the candid relationship analysis of Someone Less Like Me.
Contributing his signature sound to two of the tracks on don’t leave is Kim Deschamps, a longtime member of the legendary Canadian band Blue Rodeo. Matthews also got a little help from his friends (and PEI’s up-and-coming pop-rock darlings) The Chucky Danger Band. As producer, Matthews shared a 2006 East Coast Music Awards nomination with the band for Single of the Year (Sweet Symphony) and their award for Pop Recording of the Year. Drummer David Cyrus MacDonald and guitarist Colin Buchanan can be found on several cuts on don’t leave, along with many other of Matthews’ musical friends and even son Aaron, who contributes his vocal talents to two songs. Halifax songwriter Rob Wagner, who had several writing credits on Bridges, also penned two tracks for don't leave (December Calling, Leave A Light On) in addition to collaborating with Matthews on Left Behind.
For more than a dozen years, Jon Matthews has been cultivating his loyal fan base in pubs, theatres and festivals across the country, including national and regional television appearances on CTV's Canada AM and Breakfast Television. don’t leave is a first-rate re-introduction to an emotionally charged songwriter whose breathtaking performances, relentless musicality, and dedication to his craft will leave you spellbound and smiling.
“Please…don’t leave.”
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