Label: Independent
This is the name that describes the music of musician Alan
Matthews, whose first release came out last October, The Ineffable. I have to say, after reading his bio, that he is one
of the more interesting and complex characters I have had the pleasure to cover
in a music review.
As Will Ackerman so astutely makes us aware of in the CD
liner notes, “Alan Matthews lives in a very cerebral world as a physician.” His
transformation as a musician enters him into an entirely different realm.
It is important to note that Alan was influenced by his
father who was also a doctor and jazz enthusiast and a player as well. As I
have always said, you are a product of your environment. And lucky for us that
he was influenced by his father as now we can enjoy his inspired and beautiful
music all interpreted from the ivory keys. I acknowledge him for having the
ability to separate himself from his daily work and stepping into a completely
different world and fitting in so nicely.
So, we have music that is so powerful and meaningful to
this man that it cannot be described in words. I can appreciate a thought like
that and with all sincerity, can think of feeling that way many times
throughout my life.
Alan Matthews plays his instrument with great skill and
rhythm. I always find it amazing how an individual can have a feeling or
thought process, play out a tune then name it, and sometimes very
appropriately. I think that in and of itself is a tremendous gift to have along
with being able to present music with form and substance without uttering a
word.
The
Ineffable is an incredibly successful and impactful debut for an
artist that has now made himself available on a world level. I am certain that
this is just the beginning of many amazing recordings that Alan Matthews is
going to produce in the coming years. Right out of the gate he has a great
start with this release. The bar is now set high but I have a feeling that will
not phase him and he will just get behind the piano and let it go and let it
flow, just like he did on the eleven tracks on this album.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
August 22, 2018
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Moiras Song
02. No Words Remain
03. The Resigned
04. The Conversation
05. The Second Goodbye
06. Strange to Me
07. Wistful
08. The Empty House
09. What She Knows
10. You Don’t Know What Day It Is
11. Moiras Song Reprise
Tracks:
01. Moiras Song
02. No Words Remain
03. The Resigned
04. The Conversation
05. The Second Goodbye
06. Strange to Me
07. Wistful
08. The Empty House
09. What She Knows
10. You Don’t Know What Day It Is
11. Moiras Song Reprise