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Reviews & Quotes:

"Matt Walsh...Soulful playing, great vocals...It's great to hear young musicians playing in the tradition. That's the only way the Blues will stay alive"

- - Paul Oscher ( former Muddy Waters band member, Blues harmonica legend and 2006 BMA award winner "Acoustic Artist of the Year" for 'Down in the Delta' ) www.pauloscher.com

Aug/Sept 2006 interview www.bluesrevue.com

"They love Old School Chicago Blues and have both already gone a long way towards playing it with authentic tone and command of the guitar language. Both of them can sing it too, and improve every time I hear them. They are young today and will keep this style alive on bandstands and preserve it as and preserve it as more than history. They may develop so much themselves that they carry the style forward with their own contributions..." read on

- Bob Margolin ( former guitarist for Muddy Waters band and senior writer for Blues Revue Magazine  excerpt from Aug/Sept  2006 interview with Matt Walsh and Matt Hill ) www.bobmargolin.com

Blues Revue Aug/Sept 2006 cover

Dec 2007 'Hard Luck' CD Review Don Crow - Nashville, TN Blues Society www.musiccityblues.org

"At a Blues Awards show a few years back, we heard Charlie Musselwhite remark that "the line is getting shorter."  He was referencing the ravages that Father Time had taken upon the true "elder statesmen" of the blues who had passed on.  Many fans wonder just where the blues is headed, and, "who's gonna carry our bidness on" in the future.  One such young man poised to help fill the void is the tremendously talented Matt Walsh..." read on

Issue #108 Oct /Nov 2007 'Hard Luck' CD Review www.bluesrevue.com

"Margolin contributes guitar work to the brooding, ecumenical title track and the romping opener, "Leaving My Baby" which combines the bayou Rockabilly of Dale Hawkins with the swamp stomp of Lightnin' Slim...Walsh's swagger and passion reveal deep love and respect for the traditions he honors. Fans of classic Chicago Blues as well as Rockabilly lovers will find much to enjoy on the uncompromising Hard Luck."...read on

Blues Revue issue #108 Oct/Nov 2007 cover

September 2007 (Volume 1 Issue 69) www.blueprint-blues.co.uk

"--all of the songs are Walsh originals. Vocally Walsh sounds a bit like a hybrid of David Johansen and Tom Waits, which fits with the way that he plays the blues. Even when things move into acoustic mode (such as the fine "Sit and Wonder"), the arrangements still feel just about right..."Hard Luck" is mostly raucous, rowdy, good fun. Matt Walsh is a talented singer and guitarist who knows how to write a good tune, and how to get the best out of it. Fans of Magic Slim will certainly find much to admire here..."read on

Blues in Britain Sept 2007 ( Vol.1 Issue 69 cover

Mary4Music.com August 2007 'Hard Luck' CD Review wwwmary4music.com

"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...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..." read on

August 23rd 2007 'Hard Luck' CD Review www.blueswax.com

"Every song on the album was penned by Walsh. You really can't take a musical journey like this disc takes you on without playing your own music. Walsh has a lot of original ideas and works some out on this disc, but you know there are many more ideas still in his head. Give him time and he should be putting out shining gems in the future. Hard Luck is an excellent start to his recording career. This is a foundation that can launch him onto one of the Blues labels out there. He hits so many bases on this album that he will find a comfortable niche and blast off from there. He is not an artist who will be happy playing just one style..."read on

August 2007 'Hard Luck' CD Review www.rootstime.be

"Walsh’s work has been on the scene for some years, but he is now being recognized as one of the best guitarist from a list of new, up and coming Blues musicians, and the man is still improving. His second album, ‘Hard Luck’ ( Raw Tone Records ) is nothing short of awesome and it enjoys a hot accompaniment! On ‘Hard Luck’ Matt features his core band featuring Jesse Major (Dog House bass) and Kyle Couch (drums), and he is routinely supported with remarkable guests..." read on

Leading UK Blues magazine and record label Issue #39 Aug/Sept 2007 'Hard Luck' CD Review www.bluesmatters.com

"Hard Luck” is rough-edged and magnificent. For a modern era, when a cover of classic is sometimes seen as a mandatory validation, it is a pleasant surprise to be presented with an album entirely of originals. While Matt Walsh is never going to make his fortune as a writer, the songs on the album are well constructed and written with that unique voice in mind. What "Hard Luck" does, above all, is present the Blues as they should be - tough, uncompromising and honest..." read on

Blues Matters Issue #39

July 2007 'Hard Luck' CD Review www.bluesbytes.com

"With his perfectly coifed hairstyle and long sideburns, Walsh looks more like a rockabilly cat than a bluesman. In fact, the novelty vocal group Sha Na Na was one of Walsh's very, very early influences, and he's got the hairstyle to match. But the groove he puts out on Hard Luck is, without a doubt, deep Chicago blues. What's most impressive is that each of the dozen songs on the CD were written by Walsh. If this guy rode a time machine back to the early 1950s, he could probably line up a gig as a house songwriter at Chess Records..." read on

August 2007 'Hard Luck' CD Review by Randy Crump www.wichitablues.org

"If you have happened to see the Matt Walsh & the Mad Dogs live shows, then you know how well they have worked together. If you haven't, then this is CD for you to catch up. Sure, there is help from Walsh's mentor, Bob Margolin (Muddy Waters band alumni), filling in with some fine guitar. But, this is Matt Walsh's showcase. Walsh's guitar playing is second to none..." read on

June 23rd 2007

"Friday night at Glutton’s Restaurant and Bar saw toes tapping. With a self-described ’50s Chicago blues sound, Matt Walsh released his second CD....Approximately 40 people were seated in the upper level of Glutton’s for Walsh’s release party. The guests enjoyed steaks and baked potatoes as the air was filled with the sounds of guitar..."read on

photo credit : Regan Hill

May 25th 2007 www.nonzine,com

"When you listen to him, you find yourself wondering just which old vault of Delta or Chicago blues did he find his songs in. You just KNOW you’ve heard that song SOMEWHERE, but it just won’t come to you. But you are wrong. Matt’s deep understanding of the blues allows him to create authentic but original songs that ring true to the soul. It is just astounding..."read on

Matt Walsh recently conquered the annual Lowcountry Blues Bash, Charleston's annual high-profile blues festival, with an intense performance of classic Chicago blues. Playing wicked slide guitar and channeling the vocals of Muddy Waters and more, Matt is a talent to watch. Piccolo Spoleto debut! - www.piccolospoleto.com 2008 "Of the many measurable indications of a musical artist's success sold-out shows, album sales, MySpace friends -- one that receives scant attention today is hair elevation. From Elvis Presley to Erykah Badu, it's clear that performers' ability to coif that extra inch translates to their likelihood of going the extra mile. That trait has never been in question for North Carolina-born bluesman Matt Walsh, who has educated himself in the classic Chicago style, jump blues and rockabilly. His slash-and-burn guitar has certainly been hair-raising for the old-school blues community, which has eagerly embraced his raucous style." - Ryan Muldoon - Richmond Times Dispatch ( VA ) "Matt Walsh with partner Matt Hill, surprised a packed house at the Isle of Palms with heartfelt gutbucket blues". - Gary Irwin - Charleston Low Country Blues Festival (Charleston NC) Feb 2008 Just a heads up, when talking about Matt in any future press releases in advance of the festival, just tell the folks you can describe Matt Walsh and his music in 3 words….. “Whole-Lee-Cow” - Harold Donaldson / Planet Texas planettexas.net ( Mesquite TX ) Feb 2008 "Matt Walsh, a native of North Carolina currently working in the Wichita, KS. area, is a 30 year old with a command of the early electric blues sound that very few artists possess. If that were not enough to recommend this disc, his second, add to that the fact that he writes his own stuff and you have the makings of the best new blues artist to hit the scene in quite some time. It is hard to overstate how accomplished a musician and songcrafter Matt is. And calling him a "blues" artist underestimates him a bit as he has connections (obvious on this CD) to rockabilly and other forms and styles of "roots" rock. He has learned from some of the best musicians you've never heard of and some you have (notably Bob Margolin), but his sound is identifiably his. He rocks (the title track; "20 more miles" are good examples) and plays with soul and subtlety ("Sit and Wonder") equally well and his song writing is thoughtful, humorous ("Pointless Blues") and, at times, profound (the aforementioned "Sit and Wonder" as an example). If this man does not get some nominations for best new blues artist of the year, it will only be because this disc doesn't get the audience it deserves. If you want to know whether the traditional blues sound can be made current while staying true to the form, get this disc. You'll have your answer". - M. W. Russell "Swamp Rat" (Kill Devil Hills, NC) Sept 2007 "And, by the way, he's even better live."It was worth to wait for your album to come, it's a killer! First thing I've noticed after pressing play button in my stereo is the sound - vintage, old school Chicago blues sound that you don't hear too often today. It's obvious that you have spent lot's of time listening to the classic blues stuff. Your guitar tone is fat and dirty, just the way I like it. It reminds me of guys like Jody Williams - those players who knew it all, not only flashy solos but also deep rhythm patterns. Together with emotional vocals and your ability to write interesting songs that makes a total package. With some great musicians behind your back you've recorded one of the coolest classic blues albums I've heard this year! With such an album you have lot's of good luck coming your way! It will be my pleasure to feature your music in my shows. I'm sure my listeners will enjoy it as much as I do!" - Przemek Draheim Polish radio host August 2007 "Hi Matt: Got your CD thru Todd Glazer. I’ve got to tell you, it’s easily the best CD I’ve heard this year , and as a Blues DJ I hear nearly everything. I’m ready for your next one already. And please don’t change what you’re doing. Bringin’ you the blues," - Putnay  Host, “The Bluesshow” KUNM-FM 89.9 ( Albuquerque, New Mexico ) June 2007 “He’s from North Carolina, but right now young blues musician Matt Walsh is based out of Kansas. There is no slick production here. Just 50 minutes of straight-up music in the style of old-school '50s blues. The most surprising thing, if you aren’t familiar with Walsh, is his voice. For a tall, skinny white kid, he sure has a deep soulful timbre“. - Kate Harding Up and Coming Weekly Magazine (Fayetteville NC) June 2007 "At the age of 27, Matt Walsh, you may be tempted to think, must have struck a deal with the Devil at some dusty Mississippi crossroads beneath a blood-red moon. After all, how else could someone get so good at playing the Blues? - Steve Wildsmith The Daily Times ( Knoxville Tennessee ) June 2005 "and while distinct and impacting vocals are the key to a bluesman, it's Walsh's ability to craft what Blues do best - make you feel something - that really sets him apart from any number of second circuit Blues artists. Walsh's songwriting, while still young, is rooted in the ages-old traditions of Blues music...Walsh knows his Blues, almost as much as he knows his guitar, which he masterfully works using a finger-picking style as well as a slide". - Brian Dukes Up and Coming Weekly ( North Carolina ) September 2005 "Maybe they should be called Matt Walsh and the Magic Dogs...When they hit their electronically modified stride, it's akin to an especially hot-burnt night on Beale Street in Memphis." - - Jed Beaudoin F5 Magazine ( Wichita KS ) October 2004 " There's a vintage quality to Matt Walsh's new CD, 'Goin Back South' Performed by his Blues band Matt Walsh and the Maddogs, the songs sound tinny, almost as if they were blasting from a mono speaker deep in the South. But it works, with music that is easy-going yet scoarched with a sweaty grit best suited to a smokey juke joint." - Rod Pocowatchit The Wichita Eagle ( Wichita, Kansas ) 2003 "Let me tell you a few things about Matt Walsh. He knows his Blues and he knows his guitar. Walsh opened his set with an inspired cover of Muddy Water's 'Got My Mojo Working'...The highlight of the set was a rousing rendition of Waters' 'She Moves Me'. Walsh attacked his instrument and played some tremendous slide guitar." - Kevin Kinder Wichita State University ( Wichita KS ) 2003 "Matt went up against 10 other great bands  from Tulsa and the surrounding area. He was the only act to perform solo, but obviously made a lasting impression on the judges including Jimmy Vaughn's keyboardist, Bill Wells". - Tulsa Blues Society ( Tulsa, Oklahoma ) 2001 - Matt won and went to the Internaional Blues Competition in Memphis Tennessee as a solo act.

Matt Walsh has either opened for, shared bills or performed with the following artists:

TV : Heavy Pork Video Show 2001 ( Matt Walsh and the Maddogs live performance ) KTQW - TV 'Blues in the Park' ( 30 minute live performance with backing band 2003 ) Spangles commercial 'Mudslide!' ( featuring Matt and the Maddogs 2005 ) KTQW - TV 'Matt Walsh with Berry Harris ( 30 minute live performance 2005 )

Buddy Guy Willie "Big Eyes" Smith Calvin "Fuzz" Jones Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin Mookie Brill Taj Mahal Big Bill Morganfield Delbert McClinton Tommy Brown Kenny Neal Tinsley Ellis Little Ed and the Blues Imperials Corey Harris Homer Henderson Kelly Hunt Sweet Betty Jimmy D. Lane Paul Rodgers Fruteland Jackson Lee McBee Lightnin' Wells