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	MATT WALSH "HARD LUCK" RAW TONE RECORDS BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO Blues Editor @ www.mary4Music.com AUGUST 2007
		The minute I laid my eyes on MATT WALSH'S CD, "HARD LUCK", I started thinking about the Blues Music Awards. Now notice I said my eyes, not my ears - as of yet, I haven't heard a note of the music. However, my decision was already made that if there were ever a category for the "BLUES' BEST 'DO", this young man is not only getting my nomination, but he's a lock to win - pun intended. And by the way, that's envy speaking, not sarcasm. On "HARD LUCK", MATT'S debut release, he also makes several other impressive first impressions. A visit to his website will tell you that MATT WALSH is known for his "Fifties style of Chicago Blues, with detours into Rockabilly, Swing and Roots Rock". What it doesn't tell you is how well he does it and that he does it with the feeling and confidence of a seasoned veteran. Speaking of seasoned veterans, you should recognize a few of them giving him a hand here. Joining MATT WALSH - writer of all tracks - on electric, acoustic, slide and national steel guitars and vocals are: BOB MARGOLIN on guitar; JESSIE MAJOR, F J VENTRE & "WASABI" BOBBY KELLY on upright bass; KYLE COUCH on drums; MAX DRAKE on guitar and mandolin; MATT HILL on guitar and lap dobro; CHUCK COTTON on drums and vocals; RENE AARON on harmonica. A fast paced rocker titled"LEAVING MY BABY" opens the disc with it's Producer, guest guitarist, and obvious strong MATT WALSH influencer, BOB MARGOLIN, leading the band on guitar. MATT'S vocals immediately make an impression on this one, and the rhythm of CHUCK and F J highlight the track. Other than listening to the 3 or 4 slide guitar players who I consider to be the cream of the crop, I generally prefer to not even here it played. Hearing MATT on "WHY MY BABY AIN'T AROUND" just increased my favorite slide players to a complete handful. MATT shines on this Margolinesque track. "BREAKING UP OVER YOU" is good old, down home, Piedmont style roots blues at it's best. This one features MATT perfectly pickin' an acoustic guitar and RENE masterfully blowing into a harp. Equally as interesting is "POINTLESS BLUES", a very laid back number featuring a vocal duet between MATT & Chuck. The track is highlighted by MAX DRAKE & MATT HILL on mandolin and lap dobro. Good stuff on these two. Fans of good old straight up Chicago Blues will enjoy "HARD LUCK" & "20 MORE MILES". Both tracks feature great guitar licks - the first by BOB and the second by MATT. Both tracks are also highlighted by MATT belting out some good blues vocals. Other tracks on "HARD LUCK" include: "ONE LOOK", "HARD TO FIND", "GOIN' OUT", "SIT AND WONDER" and "WOODY'S RAG". As I opened this review, I made a humorous reference to the Blues Music Awards. However, I'm certainly not joking when I say that if "HARD LUCK" should catch a bit of "good luck" and fall into enough right hands, MATT WALSH may just get himself a "Best New Artist Debut" nod. Check MATT out at www.mattwalshblues.com. While you're there, tell him Pete the Blewzzman is crazy about his disc.........and his 'do. www.mary4music.com
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