The Tunesmith Fashions Self-Titled EP Debut "Matt Turk"

(New York: March 1, 2000)

In the tradition of the "talking blues"

Matt Turk has given birth to a spirit, namely that of the New American Troubadour. Turk's EP entitled Matt Turk is noteworthy evidence that a guy with a guitar and a studio full of friends can (still) sing what he sees and in the process create a kind of connection with the listener that is palpable and true.

Nowhere is such a connection more evident than the tune "Fifth and Faith", a talking blues communique for the walking wounded. The tune, evocative of the Memphis sound, glistens audibly courtesy of tamborine and mandolin lulling the listener into a state of punch drunk contemplation. "Some of us are searching for that state of grace hanging on a street corner, at the bottom of a bottle or simply by allowing ourselves to give life another try" says Turk. "Fifth and Faith" is a lyrical stream of consciousness leading to a clear light of hope.

Shaman Rocker "Buffalohead" recounts a surreal afternoon Turk spent somewhere in New Mexico with a young Apache boy displaying his wares, namely animal bones by the side of a road. The deep harmonies of drop tuned acoustic guitars merging their sound with the rumbling of those of the electric variety creates an aural tension analagous to the emotions one feels when first connecting with a stranger. "The incongruity of certain chance connections all of us have made at least one time in our lives with those unlike ourselves and the meaningful moments that result is what this song is about" according to Turk. "Spirits wander in this place wearing Georgia O'Keefe's face" as Turk sings, while the final strains of the song are heard, provides a fitting coda to an unusual afternoon on the road.

Matt Turk was produced by industry vet Jay Newland. In the past Newland has worked with Bonnie Raitt, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Pat Metheny, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Vivino among others.

You can buy this CD right now online at cdbaby.com