About this concert
Ady Johnson supports Ivor Novello Award-winning Scott Matthews on a number of his October shows.
More information about Scott Matthews:
If there’s one quality that defines the career of Scott Matthews it’s this: evolution.
The singer/songwriter has challenged himself creatively during a career that has been characterised by rare quality. As Matthews gears up for the release of his seventh studio album, new horizons loom into view as he finds different ways to cast a spell.
The quality of Matthews’ craft is a given. The Ivor Novello-winning artist is part of a lineage that includes such greats as Buckley and Drake, John Martyn and Paul Simon. With guitar in hand and a voice that conveys raw emotion, he has long been established as one of the world’s foremost purveyors of song.
Introspective and reflective, combining blues and folk, mixing the ethereal with the empyrean, Matthews is a musical alchemist who transforms base metal to gold. He has expanded his sonic palette while making his new record, introducing new moods and musical textures as he addresses universal truths.
Having broken through with the much-loved Passing Stranger and more recently mastered the delicate art of one-man-and-a-guitar music with sparse musicianship and an otherworldly falsetto, through the recordsHome Pt I, Home Pt II and The Great Untold, Matthews is travelling along new roads.
Waves of electronica are matched with big, chiming electric guitars as Matthews finds different colours for his canvass. His new work will be out later this year and it will be accompanied by a tour, during which he’ll revisit fan favourites from an extraordinary canon of work.
“It’s been a welcome diversion to work on my seventh record. For the first time in the making of any of my records, I have given myself a very clear blueprint and can hear how every song should sound given the limitations I have set myself.”
Matthews new record will feel sparse with an air of electronic minimalism. There will be less instrumentation than on earlier works; with percussion, strings and woodwind being replaced by a world of emotive synthesisers and pulsing drum grooves. Rehearsing in his local church, he’s been testing himself, pushing himself far outside his normal comfort zone as he explores new sounds and ways of making music.
If you’re looking for examples, consider the career progressions of David Sylvian, Mark Hollis, Brian Eno or Thom Yorke, who all found new ways of working in an ever-changing world.
“In many ways, it’s like starting again. I feel reborn in an oscillating world. The fact that the music is so different forces me to sing and write lyrics in a pleasingly unexpected way, it breathes a whole new energy into my approach and song-writing ethos. There’s a pulsating dynamic, which I’m captivated by.”
Matthews will tour the UK in November and play at a number of churches and unusual spaces with natural ambiences suited to his newfound lo-fi sounds. “It will be one man and a guitar with a wave of electronica washing over me. I am fascinated by thought provoking sounds and how they totally immerse the listener and encourage them to dig a little deeper into their being. I think these songs will prick people’s ears up. They’ll keep people on their toes and hopefully their electronic grace will sweep them off their feet too.”
Over 14 years and with his seventh album on the horizon, Matthews has continued to push the envelope with songs of breath-taking majesty. And now he is setting himself new challenges as his evolution takes a beautiful turn.
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Ady Johnson Biography
Suffolk born, London based antique furniture restorer/musician Ady Johnson, had both livelihoods threatened after he severed two tendons in a finger with a chisel. Thankfully he made a full recovery. Having already had success with Colchester band FuzzFace and gaining an Honours Degree in classical guitar performance, Ady decided to down tools and focus on music.
Ady’s first notable public performance was in 2010 after he busked outside 6Fest – BBC6 Music’s event to celebrate their successful national campaign against it’s closure. Ady was asked by the organisers to stand in for a band on the main bill after they cancelled. Metro ran the story ‘Busker bags festival after band cancel’ a few days later.
2011 saw the release of Ady’s first solo album Tell the Worry Dolls. Recorded predominantly live in the studio, this acoustic album received critical praise from R2, BluesMatters, and a recommendation for album of the year from Press Association. Tracks Pink Flamingos and Jewelly Box were included on two iTunes Essentials compilations. Ady subsequently headlined many shows and supported a wealth of artists including Scott Matthews, Ben Howard and Willy Mason. Numerous festival appearances included Latitude festival, back on his home Suffolk turf.
In 2014 Ady headed to the US for his New York Tour, which included shows in five venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn. In the summer, Ady completed music for The Last Man, a short film by East 6 Media.
May 2015 saw the release of Thank You for the Good Things EP. The title track being an ode to Ady’s late grandfather, under whom he received his antique restoration apprenticeship. The song deals with, in part, his emotional struggle in leaving the trade behind in pursuit of music. Produced by Mercury nominated/BBC award winning producer Gerry Diver (Lisa Knapp, Sam Lee, Tom Robinson). A previous version of Thank You (recorded by friend and musician Johnno Casson (AKA Snippet) had already been selected for Tom Robinson’s BBC Introducing Mixtape and was aired on his BBC 6 Music Show. This version of the song also made Fresh Faves: Batch 78, on Tom Robinson’s Fresh on the Net blog.
The EP was launched at two shows – one at The Water Rats in London and the second at Colchester Arts Centre. Ivor Novello award winning songwriter Scott Matthews, appeared as special guest and accompanied Ady’s band at the London show. Gerry Diver guested on fiddle. For the second EP launch, Ady was joined by guest drummer/percussionist Pete Flood (Bellowhead). Pete continues to play in Ady’s current full band line-up, along with John Parker (Nizlopi) on double bass and Toby Bull on trumpet, sax and bass.
Thank You for the Good Things received praise from Americana UK and other online reviewers. The title track was again chosen for Tom Robinson’s BBC Introducing Mixtape and this and other songs from the EP received widespread regional airplay. Thank You for the Good Things video was released and premiered by MUZU.TV in June. The EP was chosen by London’s Resonance FM for their ‘Top 5 EP’s Of 2015’.
1st January 2016 saw the release of New Year’s Day (Single mix) and accompanying video. The single was chosen for Tom Robinson’s BBC Introducing Mixtape and also received regional airplay. Later in the year, Ady was invited as special guest to support Scott Matthews and his Band on eight dates of their UK tour in November and December. Reviews from Rhythm and Blues and blog Musical Chairs, praised Ady’s performance at The Glee Club Birmingham.
Ady began recording his second album London Songs in 2017, with Gerry Diver once again in the producer’s chair. In May, Ady was invited to support folk singer Lisa Knapp at the launch of her album Till April is Dead: A Garland of May. Ady also guested on electric guitar with Lisa’s band for her song Staines Morris. Touring included Ady’s first show in France, where he played the renowned Le Reservoir.
London Songs was released on 23rd February 2018, following a successful Pledge Music campaign. This dynamic acoustic album presents songs ranging from intimate vignettes, to full-band Waitsian stompers. London Songs brings together a collection of songs inspired by people, places and personal experiences, since Ady moved from Colchester to London. Personnel include Pete Flood (Bellowhead) – drums, Tom Briers – Sousaphone and Toby Bull – piano, trumpet and P-bone.
Tom Robinson again championed Ady’s latest release and regularly featured songs from London Songs on his BBC 6 Music Show. Ady was Tom’s guest for his ‘Johnson and 16 Years of 6 Music’ show on 10 March.
Ady supported the release with a UK tour in February and March. Ten dates supporting Scott Matthews’ The Great Untold Tour followed in May. Ady was invited to play bass guitar for Scott’s band appearances at Middlewich FAB Festival in June and Deer Shed festival in July.
In November Ady took to the road again with Scott Matthews for another nine shows supporting him around the country, as well as fitting in some dates of his own. Ady joined Scott on his song Silence at each of the shows, singing harmony and playing Scott’s Spanish guitar.
Ady is currently working on his third album and adding to his list of live appearances in 2021.
“He’s damn good live!” Tom Robinson – BBC Radio 6 Music
“One of the UK’s most inventive songwriters.” Stephen Foster – BBC Radio Suffolk
“…might well be the first contender for album of the year…deserves to be massive.” 9/10 Press Association
“…an ebullient, life affirming collection with a touch of kitchen-sink romanticism worthy of Ray Davies and a bluesy sound filtered through the uniquely English lens of skiffle.” 8/10 Americana UK
“Excellent debut album! – Record company opportunity!” Mojomanic
Read MoreAdy’s first notable public performance was in 2010 after he busked outside 6Fest – BBC6 Music’s event to celebrate their successful national campaign against it’s closure. Ady was asked by the organisers to stand in for a band on the main bill after they cancelled. Metro ran the story ‘Busker bags festival after band cancel’ a few days later.
2011 saw the release of Ady’s first solo album Tell the Worry Dolls. Recorded predominantly live in the studio, this acoustic album received critical praise from R2, BluesMatters, and a recommendation for album of the year from Press Association. Tracks Pink Flamingos and Jewelly Box were included on two iTunes Essentials compilations. Ady subsequently headlined many shows and supported a wealth of artists including Scott Matthews, Ben Howard and Willy Mason. Numerous festival appearances included Latitude festival, back on his home Suffolk turf.
In 2014 Ady headed to the US for his New York Tour, which included shows in five venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn. In the summer, Ady completed music for The Last Man, a short film by East 6 Media.
May 2015 saw the release of Thank You for the Good Things EP. The title track being an ode to Ady’s late grandfather, under whom he received his antique restoration apprenticeship. The song deals with, in part, his emotional struggle in leaving the trade behind in pursuit of music. Produced by Mercury nominated/BBC award winning producer Gerry Diver (Lisa Knapp, Sam Lee, Tom Robinson). A previous version of Thank You (recorded by friend and musician Johnno Casson (AKA Snippet) had already been selected for Tom Robinson’s BBC Introducing Mixtape and was aired on his BBC 6 Music Show. This version of the song also made Fresh Faves: Batch 78, on Tom Robinson’s Fresh on the Net blog.
The EP was launched at two shows – one at The Water Rats in London and the second at Colchester Arts Centre. Ivor Novello award winning songwriter Scott Matthews, appeared as special guest and accompanied Ady’s band at the London show. Gerry Diver guested on fiddle. For the second EP launch, Ady was joined by guest drummer/percussionist Pete Flood (Bellowhead). Pete continues to play in Ady’s current full band line-up, along with John Parker (Nizlopi) on double bass and Toby Bull on trumpet, sax and bass.
Thank You for the Good Things received praise from Americana UK and other online reviewers. The title track was again chosen for Tom Robinson’s BBC Introducing Mixtape and this and other songs from the EP received widespread regional airplay. Thank You for the Good Things video was released and premiered by MUZU.TV in June. The EP was chosen by London’s Resonance FM for their ‘Top 5 EP’s Of 2015’.
1st January 2016 saw the release of New Year’s Day (Single mix) and accompanying video. The single was chosen for Tom Robinson’s BBC Introducing Mixtape and also received regional airplay. Later in the year, Ady was invited as special guest to support Scott Matthews and his Band on eight dates of their UK tour in November and December. Reviews from Rhythm and Blues and blog Musical Chairs, praised Ady’s performance at The Glee Club Birmingham.
Ady began recording his second album London Songs in 2017, with Gerry Diver once again in the producer’s chair. In May, Ady was invited to support folk singer Lisa Knapp at the launch of her album Till April is Dead: A Garland of May. Ady also guested on electric guitar with Lisa’s band for her song Staines Morris. Touring included Ady’s first show in France, where he played the renowned Le Reservoir.
London Songs was released on 23rd February 2018, following a successful Pledge Music campaign. This dynamic acoustic album presents songs ranging from intimate vignettes, to full-band Waitsian stompers. London Songs brings together a collection of songs inspired by people, places and personal experiences, since Ady moved from Colchester to London. Personnel include Pete Flood (Bellowhead) – drums, Tom Briers – Sousaphone and Toby Bull – piano, trumpet and P-bone.
Tom Robinson again championed Ady’s latest release and regularly featured songs from London Songs on his BBC 6 Music Show. Ady was Tom’s guest for his ‘Johnson and 16 Years of 6 Music’ show on 10 March.
Ady supported the release with a UK tour in February and March. Ten dates supporting Scott Matthews’ The Great Untold Tour followed in May. Ady was invited to play bass guitar for Scott’s band appearances at Middlewich FAB Festival in June and Deer Shed festival in July.
In November Ady took to the road again with Scott Matthews for another nine shows supporting him around the country, as well as fitting in some dates of his own. Ady joined Scott on his song Silence at each of the shows, singing harmony and playing Scott’s Spanish guitar.
Ady is currently working on his third album and adding to his list of live appearances in 2021.
“He’s damn good live!” Tom Robinson – BBC Radio 6 Music
“One of the UK’s most inventive songwriters.” Stephen Foster – BBC Radio Suffolk
“…might well be the first contender for album of the year…deserves to be massive.” 9/10 Press Association
“…an ebullient, life affirming collection with a touch of kitchen-sink romanticism worthy of Ray Davies and a bluesy sound filtered through the uniquely English lens of skiffle.” 8/10 Americana UK
“Excellent debut album! – Record company opportunity!” Mojomanic
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