UK born guitarist Matt Schofield is perhaps Blues Rock’s best kept secret. In his professional career of over a decade his abilities have been awarded top British Blues guitarist in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Deriving influence from some of the most distinct guitarists in history Schofield brings Blues Rock into the new millennium packed with a crafty and classic sound. Now celebrating the release of his 5th studio album in 2014 titled As Far As I Can See, Schofield and his band hits the road playing festivals and venues all around North America. Having performed at the Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival a day earlier in New Jersey, the trio came to the cozy confines of The YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday August 17th to sooth the souls of passionate Blues fans.
With the spotlight on the stage, Schofield and his band opened with the cool jam “Oakville Shuffle”. Drenched with warm tones, organist Jonny Henderson’s and Schofield’s notes fed off one another like a fluent conversation. Schofield’s precision finger work along with an emotional ability to let the music breath really set a great mood for Blues Rock. Matched by a solid backbeat of Ronnie Smith on drums this trio had heads bopping and eyes mesmerized.
Taking moments in-between the songs, Schofield proclaimed his appreciation for those who came out to the show and how nice it was to play this beautiful performing arts theater. Certainly worth the trip out of the house on a summer evening the band rattled out one passionate composition after another highlighting many tracks off As Far As I Can See including “Hindsight” and “Far From Away”. The instrumentation, full and inviting, was matched by Schofield’s classic Blues voice which brought the feeling of each song to life such as “Don’t Know What I’d Do”. Gracious for the opportunity to witness this spectacular show the audience applauded and cheered any free moment until the final note. After saying goodnight and exiting the stage Schofield and his band met fans in the upstairs loft taking photos and signing autographs capping off this personal unforgettable experience.
Matt Schofield’s high energy output of contemporary Blues Rock is a show no fan of sophisticated musicianship should miss. He has the ability of a man with twice his experience and the spunk to get a younger generation enticed to give Blues Rock a listen. Be ahead of the curve and check Matt Schofield out as he continues to tour all over USA.
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