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Matt Schofield

Born in Manchester on August 21st 1977, Matt Schofield grew up listening to the sounds of his Father’s collection of classic blues LPs. Already familiar with the music of Muddy Waters, Freddie, Albert and B.B. King, along with contemporary guitar heroes like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, he began fooling with the guitar around the age of 7, after his family had relocated to Gloucestershire.

However, after a brief spell with the bass guitar, the defining moment for Matt came at age 12 whilst visiting his Dad who had by now moved to Northern California. There he saw a video of B.B. King, Albert Collins and Stevie Ray Vaughan jamming together that blew his mind. It was unlike anything he’d witnessed before and the sheer power and virtuosity of these artists left a permanent impression.

Returning home Matt immediately formed a band with his schoolmates, and by age 13 had performed his first gig. Local gigging in and around Gloucestershire and Wiltshire followed including bands with Jonny Henderson, still organ player in Matt's trio, until at the age of 18 he started venturing to London with friend and fellow guitarist James Henderson to check out the blues jams. After finishing school and heading out for a lengthy stay in the U.S.A, taking in gigs and learning first hand at the feet of American blues greats, Matt returned to the UK and at age 19 moved to London to turn professional.

He was quickly welcomed into the tight knit London blues scene and immediately joined the Lee Sankey Group, recording the critically acclaimed 1997 debut album “My Day is Just Beginning” and it’s follow up - the live/studio EP “She’s Not Alone”. Matt played and toured with Lee for the next 4 years.

Always in demand, Matt found time along with countless one night pickup gigs, to be in as many as five different bands at once, including developing his ongoing association with current Nugene Records labelmate Ian Siegal, and his work the piano player Dino Baptiste. In 1999 Matt played on and co produced Dino’s debut album, and along side Dino and drummer Evan Jenkins, who currently holds the drum chair in Matt's own trio, he found himself as guitarist for British blues diva Dana Gillespie appearing on three of her albums and touring the world extensively including unique trips to India and the Caribbean.

His time in London with these bands proved to be a huge learning experience, opening up avenues to future ventures, and allowing Matt to develop his fluid and versatile style amid many different musical contexts. It also afforded him the chance to perform with many great international blues artists at festivals and concerts throughout the world. Personal highlights, to name just a few, include the privilege of opening shows for Robben Ford and Jimmie Vaughan - two other favourite musicians and vital influences for Matt.

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Live Review

Matt Schofield at Nectar's

Read "Matt Schofield at Nectar's" reviewed by Doug Collette


Matt Schofield Nectar's Burlington, Vermont July 5, 2016 In a generous two-set performance that lasted til the midnight hour at Nectar's in Burlington, Matt Schofield made a case for himself as one of the finest bluesmen of his generation. Gary Clark Jr. and Derek Trucks may be more versatile, but the simplicity and passion Schofield brings to his music reminds of no one so much as the archetypal guitar hero himself, Eric Clapton.

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Recording

Matt Schofield - Anything but Time (2011)

Matt Schofield - Anything but Time (2011)

Source: Something Else!

Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Alvin Lee, Robin Trower and the late Gary Moore... all part of British blues guitar legacy. But try to name someone who came of age after the 1960s and belongs in that company? Matt Schofield may be the one who should be the first mentioned. Named a top ten British blues guitarist of all time by Guitar And Bass Magazine, an impressive feat with only three studio albums out. Make that four, with last week's release ...

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Trio, Live

Nugene Records
2007

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