MATTY T. WALL
SIDEWINDER
HIPSTERDUMPSTER RECORDS
SLIDERIDE–SIDEWINDER–SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL–CHANGE IS GONNA COME–CAN’T STOP THINKIN’–SHAKE IT–GOING DOWN–AIN’T THAT THE TRUTH–SOPHIA’S STRUT–WALK OUT THE DOOR–LEAVE IT ALL BEHIND–MISSISSIPPI KKKROSSROADS
The potent and powerful guitar work of Matty T. Wall extends from his native Australia all over the world. He expands his musical boundaries even further with the release of his latest set, “Sidewinder.” It is produced by Grammy-winning Bob Clearmountain, known for his outstanding work with Bowie, Springsteen, and the Rolling Stones, among a host of others. This set has a full, bold sound, thanks to Matty’s wailing guitars plus Bob’s clever use of layered sounds, echo, and the inclusion of a horn and string section scattered throughout the festivities.
If you’re a fan of players such as Johnny Winter or fellow Aussie Dave Hole, you’ll love the opening instrumental, a fret-burning, slide-happy exercise entitled “Slideride,” with just a smattering of the horns. “Sidewinder” is full of swagger and spit, as Matty declares he’s “got no morals,” and where “follow-the-leader, single-file, well, that ain’t my style.” He gives a fine read of a Trombone Shorty song, making “show me Something Beautiful” into a breezy ode to summer. He then uses a unique vocal arrangement and an extended weeping guitar solo to make Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” into an even more beautiful piece. “Shake It” is pure dance-floor joy, while the stomp-and-handclap percussion of “Sophia’s Strut” gives off a sweet, North Mississippi Hill Country vibe.
One of Matty’s covers served as our favorite, and it sho’ nuff is not for the faint of heart nor the ultra-conservative. Written by Chris Thomas King, Matty takes us all back to the inglorious days of the Jim Crow South, which, sadly, seem to be making an unwanted comeback in the daily news, with the anger-and angst-filled blues-rap of “Mississippi KKKrossroads,” as Matty’s slide guitar wails as the hellhounds give chase.
It is plainly obvious within the grooves of “Sidewinder” that Matty T. Wall has a firm grasp on the rich heritage of the blues, with a keen eye trained on the future. Clearmountain’s production also brought out a powerful and deeply-personal side to Matty, making this a set sure to please his global legions of fans! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow.
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