August 2021: Two rare UK dates for Matthews Southern Comfort

MATTHEWS SOUTHERN COMFORT – ‘live’

AUGUST

Tues 10th: HENLEY ON THAMES – The Crooked Billet http://thecrookedbillet.co.uk/matthew-southern-comfort/

Wed 11th LONDON (Canary Wharf) – The Boisdale https://boisdaletickets.co.uk/p/5663

Never let it be said that Iain Matthews is one to dwell on past successes.

These days, most band ‘reunions’ take place because of the huge financial rewards available and occasionally, record company pressure. In the case of Matthews Southern Comfort, neither reason applies. The original band wasn’t around long enough to have any fanatical following and there is no high-profile label hovering in the wings. MSC has been reborn simply because Matthews feels he didn’t quite get it right the first time. Originally a vehicle for his musical concepts, forty years on, the sounds and songs just keep on coming.

The original band came to a shuddering and premature halt, when Matthews decided, rightly or wrongly, that it lacked musical depth. The formation of an all new MSC comes from his desire to finish the journey, plus a deep ongoing passion to make perhaps one more important musical statement, that will be both heard and acknowledged by his peers.

In conceiving and assembling this unique group of spirited and likeminded players, Matthews has once again surpassed all expectations. The musicianship and commitment are second to none and the sumptuous, soaring vocal harmonies instantly bring to mind the 60’s version of the band.

The new MSC, a quartet, features an all Dutch lineup. With renowned guitarist, songwriter, producer, Bart Jan Baartmans. Keyboardist, Bart de Win, fresh from several seasons with the Birds of Chicago and and his acoustic duo Tipjar. New to the line-up in 2017 is singersongwriter Eric Devries.

This spectacular band, represents both the past and the present, as Matthews cleverly reinvents some of the classic MSC songs, to accompany the new originals. If it’s that vintage swooping pedal steel sound you’re after, this band may not be your cup of tea. But if you’re looking for an evening of pure, unadulterated, sonic bliss, Matthews Southern Comfort lives.

Matthews Southern Comfort has played The Great British Folk Festival in 2017 and Wickham Festival in 2019 alongside acts such as Graham Nash, The Proclaimers, Lucinda Williams, Hothouse Flowers and many others. In 2021 MSC is to play Fairport's Cropredy Convention Festival with Fairport Convention and Richard Thompson.

The latest album 'The New Mine' was released in 2020 as the world suddenly went in to lockdown due to Covid.

Press: ‘Like a Radio’ is right up there with the best of the Iain Matthews catalogue. Lyrically sharp and beautifully produced, the album is a gem. Bob Harris BBC Radio

Happily, Iain’s melodic voice is not only as good as ever, it is enhanced by the vocal support of Bart de Win and Eric Devries. ‘The New Mine is very definitely a Matthews Southern Comfort masterpiece. At the Barrier.com

Smooth mix of mellow warmth sharp observation has a lingering taste. Folkradio.co.uk

A very strong record that is full of quality. Maverick Magazine

The best 55 minutes you'll invest in a while. Music Republic Magazine