Jennifer Matthews has been compared to the likes of PJ Harvey, Radiohead and Ben Harper to name a few. Her songs are missions from the frontlines of life and have been described as melodic, infectious and haunting.
Matthews
studied vocal performance at the University of Colorado in Boulder and
at Denver's School of Music. While in Colorado, she established herself
as a solo artist, performing in local bars and coffeehouses. During
this period she developed her unique vocal style and her songs gained
recognition, leading to several awards from the Rocky Mountain Music
Association.
After
a three-month tour through Japan, Korea and Hawaii, Matthews relocated
to New York where she formed the five-piece band Beautiful Mud. After
a highly acclaimed debut release and performing for several years in
New York City clubs, the band separated.
Jennifer
moved to Boston to embark on a solo career. She has cultivated a sophisticated blend of rock with hints of mood & blues on her electric Baritone guitar. While maintaining her strong background in rootsy rock, she slings her blue Martin, combining both instruments equally into her distinctive style.
Built
from her three previous releases (Treehouse Studios - NY City, Shot
To The Wind - Boston, and Blue
In Blue Out - Tremolo Lounge, Worcester), her compilation album
Best of 96-01
featured three unreleased songs: "Falling Star", "Heaven
To Me", and "..45 Warren Street." The album released by
Marc Mathys is an eclectic collection and shows her depth and diversity
as a songwriter as well as a guitarist. Blue in Blue out was produced
by Marc Copely.
In
2003, Jennifer was nominated for a poetry award by the Cambridge Arts
Council for her book of poetry released under Somerville's Ibbetson
Street Press, "Fairy
Tales and Misdemeanors".
In
May of 2004 Jennifer teamed up with her current manager Rose Gardina
and went on to record "The
Wheel" which was released in May of 2005 on Thundamoon
Records (Independent). Produced by Brian Brown and Jennifer they took the songs
to new levels by adding some electronica and loops to her roots rock
sound. She followed up with a West Coast tour including performing at
the San Diego Indie Music Festival.
In
Aug. of 2005, Metronome Music Magazine featured Jennifer as their cover
story with a full interview. Shaun McNamara writes "...Matthews
and artists like Ann Wilson, Pat Benatar, Doro Pesch and Liz Phair are
dissimilar in music style and sound but they all embody an ability to
be recognized as straight out rockers. Not female rockers, not rock
chicks, and certainly not advocates for a spotlight of women in music.
They have no need for a one trick pony. They stood or stand in parallel
with the likes of Kurt Cobain, Robert Plant, Neil Young and Chris Cornell,
respected for their pure musicianship and charismatic presence..."
In
Oct.& Nov Jennifer toured England promoting
"The Wheel" and her soon to be released record "The Sunroom
Sessions". Richard Hill of BBC radio writes..."Her melodies
are as appealing and azure as her guitar" And Tim Condliffe of
National Gig
Guide writes... "Jennifer's innovative and creative style kept
the audience baited on every word and pregnant pause.
Metronome
Music Magazine chose Jennifer's cd "The Wheel" in their Top
15 picks of the year for 2005 right along with guitar god Eric Johnson
and Elvin Bishop... they wrote... "Jennifer Matthews is sassy,
sexy, edgy and above all, talented! Jennifer Matthews rocked the scene
with her album The Wheel !"
In
the Sept. of 2006, her much anticipated solo recording "The
Sunroom Sessions" was released and available for sale on the
Thundamoon Records label. TC Krentz of BGG Music writes..."
A quintessential set of songs which reveal that her beauty of talent
truly runs deep... possibly her very best. "
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