The Sound Lounge

Following Iain Matthews' memorable appearance at Folk In The Park last summer, we're thrilled to welcome this genuine folk-pop legend to the Sound Lounge for the first time. The excellent Plumhall will be Iain's guests, with the promise of a sprinkle of musical collaboration during the show. There’s a purity about Iain Matthews’ voice. And it’s mirrored by the integrity of his career. The singer-songwriter has never been seduced by fame. His focus has always been on creating music that captivates the ear, the mind and the heart. Born Ian Matthews McDonald in 1946 in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, he soared to prominence in 1967 as a founding member of Fairport Convention. In that pioneering band, Matthews created exquisite harmonies with first Judy Dyble, then Sandy Denny. After two years, he left and formed Matthews Southern Comfort. They enjoyed a huge hit with their stirring version of Joni Mitchell’s “Woodstock.” One of the outstanding solo albums Matthews recorded during his years in Los Angeles was 1973’s “Valley Hi,” produced by Michael Nesmith. Matthews has fronted such bands as Plainsong, Hi-Fi, No Grey Faith, More Than a Song and a Dutch jazz combo, The Searing Quartet. After working for a while in A&R, in 1987 Matthews returned to performing and recording as a solo artist for a time, mostly based in Austin, Texas. Since returning to live in Europe in 2000, he focused again on his now all-Dutch ensemble, Matthews Southern Comfort and his seemingly never-ending stream of solo recordings. Matthews' most recent album releases include “A Baker's Dozen," a collection of current stage songs and a solo effort, plus “Fake Tan," recorded in Norway with Norwegian icons, the Salmon Smokers. A collaboration with British writer Ian Clayton in 2018 produced his highly-praised memoirs, "Thro' My Eyes." These days Matthews prefers to focus more on acoustic solo shows, where he tells stories and plays many fan favorites from his 50-year career. He says, "I have nothing more to prove and this approach to live shows gives me an instant rapport." A new solo album “How Much Is Enough” is set for release in the spring of 2024. “Iain Matthews is still reinventing himself, and with great effect. This is music for the masses, delivered with honesty and passion” Robert Plant Plumhall is the acclaimed UK duo of Michelle Plum (Chumbawamba, the Chris Norman Band) and Nick B Hall (Magna Carta, Ian Prowse & Amsterdam, the Hall Brothers). Their mesmerising blend of acoustic and electric instruments, exquisite vocal harmonies and exceptional musicianship have earned them numerous accolades and wowed audiences worldwide. With their ever-growing following, 2024 promises to be Plumhall's most exciting year yet, including a 30-date UK tour as special guests of the legendary Fairport Convention and the release of their third album, "One Star Awake," which features Fairport's very own Ric Sanders on violin and Ranagri's Eliza Marshall on flute. "A fine duo...go and see them if you get the chance" Steve Knightley, Show Of Hands