Matt Schofield
Over the last decade, Matt Schofield has earned an international reputation as one of the most innovative and revered contemporary blues inspired guitarists on the world stage today. Schofield “transcends comparisons, undeniably his own man with his own sound and style.
Guitar & Bass Magazine named Matt Schofield one of the top ten British blues guitarists of all time, placing him in the company of guitar great Eric Clapton. A guitar virtuoso, singer, songwriter, producer and bandleader, Matt has played on some of the most prestigious stages in the world, including North Sea and Montreal Jazz Festivals, and as a featured artist at the Allman Brothers Band festivals including Wanee, Peachfest and Mountain Jam.
With a voice strong enough to front the band without playing guitar, he’s become an essential to every blues playlist. This modern blues sensation will be in concert at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Wednesday, June 10, at 7:30 p.m. To share his expertise with other guitar aficionados, Matt will be teaching a Blues Guitar Master Class from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. the day of his show. Attendees are encouraged to bring their guitars (but not amps!) and practice along as Matt provides instruction, or just watch and take mental notes. For a Wednesday night “happy hour”, the Playhouse is offering a complimentary beer to all ticket holders beginning at 6:45 p.m. in the lobby, as a chance to hang out with friends and be one of the first to hear some über talented musicians in an intimate venue.
Special guest is The Bobby Paltauf Band, founded by guitar prodigy Bobby Paltauf. At the age of 15, he has already played with some of the most notable musicians in the industry including Buddy Guy, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, America, Kung Fu, Deep Banana Blackout, Anders Osborne, Stanton Moore, John Medeski, Lucky Peterson, Joe Tatton and many more!. Bobby Paltauf Band just completed their first full-length album Lost and Found, which promises to impress all kinds of music lovers with their unique blend of funk, jazz and rock. 850 Wood Fired Pizza will serve a complimentary draught beer with dinner the night of this event when tickets are presented. This event is part of the Emerging Artist and Xfinity Rock Series with media sponsor 90.7fm WFUV.
The Schofield story is exploding internationally. The LA Times stated, “In Schofield, the UK has produced the best blues guitarist from any country in decades. Head and shoulders above the herd.” Vintage Guitar magazine said, “The best of his generation’s European blues players. His feel for the music is incredible. His playing is so interesting that latching onto his records will reward any guitarist.”
The new collection on his album Far As I Can See (his fifth studio album) finds Schofield in stunning form, well able to justify both his fearsome reputation and also the sense of anticipation around this release. Alongside two choice covers from his musical heroes, the album’s nine original tracks showcase Matt’s continued growth as an exciting songwriter, delivered with impassioned vocals to create a diverse and unique take on the blues. The recipient of major awards including British Blues Awards Guitarist of the Year 2010, 2011 & 2012 (making him the first guitarist in the British Blues Awards Hall of Fame), Mojo Magazine Blues Album of the Year 2011 and British Blues Awards Album of the Year 2010, Matt imbues this album with stunning musicianship and a lot of heart and soul.
For tickets ($28; $50 show & Guitar Master Class by calling box office), call the box office at 203-438-5795, or order online atridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.
The post Blues man Matt Schofield comes to Playhouse appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.