MATTHEW STUBBS

Medford & Main

Blue Bella Records

By Michael Kurgansky

Matthew Stubbs has done his homework and is ready to be counted among the top guitarists playing today. Janiva Magness, Lynnewood Slim, Junior Watson and John Nemeth all have been lucky enough to have had Matthew play with them. Blues harp maestro Charlie Musselwhite knew Matthew was that good when he hired him as his guitarist several years ago. And, Nick Moss recognized a talent when he invited the young artist to join his Blue Bella label for this release. And now, with his second solo CD, it’s obvious that as a guitarist and composer, Matthew is a force to be reckoned with.

Matthew has been listening to a lot of music genres and this CD shows that he has soaked it all in ... blues, soul, funk, roots, rockabilly, surf and jazz. He's mastered the sounds and created original compositions reflecting, but not imitating, these influences. These 11 original songs exude confidence, taste, style, intelligence and most importantly creativity and soul—not flashy, but always grooving in a solid, head bopping way. The style overall is easygoing, relaxed and fun and reflects his proficiency as a guitar virtuoso.

He's backed on this CD by stellar musicians including Boston's Sax Gordon, who also arranged the horns (trumpet, tenor and baritone sax) that complement Matthew’s style.

Just as on his excellent, self-produced debut CD, Soul Bender, there are no vocals, only Matthew’s unique compositions and outstanding guitar playing, which serve to touch the listener with his distinctive passion for the music. He’s assembled that same tight Boston-based band for his sophomore disc, Medford & Main (he is from New Hampshire and plays regularly in Boston when not touring with Charlie.)   

No vocals, no problem! His guitar just sings, keeping your attention through the entire CD.  His virtuosity in playing and composing is evident, not in a head-banging way, but in a more subtle and soulful manner. It’s not about the speed or volume of his guitar. And, the compositions are anchored solidly in Matthew’s knowledge of the music that has influenced him so profoundly.

The grooving “Tube-Top Temptation,” with its strong rhythm, raw sax and guitar, conjures up a major ‘50s sound. “Yikes Ike” is a nod to the funky riffs of ’50s and ’60s rhythm and blues. This isn’t a retro CD, yet, there is a déjà vu quality—a feeling of familiarity and comfort, but it’s totally fresh and new. His music seems timeless and not stuck in any era.

Matthew’s knowledge extends to the hardware, also. Along with the whimsical titles of the songs on Medford & Main, he has included the names of the vintage guitars and amps he used. He knew exactly how to choose the right equipment for the right mood. For his composition “Mangos,” he used a Danelectro Baritone RI and a ’60s Ampeg Reverbrocket 2 to achieve a tropical, laid back flavor.  For his funky “Rug Burn,” he paired a ’56 RI Gibson Les Paul and ’62 RI Fender Telecaster with a ’60s Blackface Deluxe Reverb with a Boss Blues Driver.

This is a musician and composer who will be heard from again, and his music will likely reach beyond the blues community. Anyone who appreciates great guitar playing will appreciate Matthew.  His diversity in playing and composing different styles is evident in this outstanding CD.

About the reviewer: Michael Kurgansky is a photographer and music lover, especially of blues and jazz. To see his photos of musicians, visit: http://www.kurgansky.com/#/gallery/musicians/