Matt Minglewood
The Story
Norton NR0905
This compassionate CD has already won many accolades, e.g., East Coast Music Award winner for Blues Recording of the Year.
Does it really need another positive review? Yes, because this acoustic album comes with depth and awareness. Although acoustic,
there is lots of musical accompaniment (bass, sax, drums, harmonica, cello and mandolin). Some may consider it an unplugged
album. It is a stark departure from the usual Minglewood blues/rock. Hailing from North Sydney, Cape Breton Island, "down east"
culture exudes from Matt Minglewood’s story-telling tunes. Since the late ’70s/early ’80s, when he quickly rose to the top of
Canadian blues/rock with a string of successful albums, Minglewood has been a Canadian musical institution.
Are you ready for another chapter in a career that already reads like a quintessential novel? Matt Minglewood has drifted through
numerous genres throughout his 40 year career. His most potent power may have been saved until now. Flavored with a sense of
Canadiana, Minglewood performs vocals, guitars, piano and organ and abandons his guitar god status on The Story. At times the
music sounds influenced by country western. Primarily, the focus is on story-telling songs and evocative lyrics. The 12 Minglewood
original songs, along with a remake of the traditional "Patriot Game," are about expressing life experiences. From time to time, you’ll
have a smile on your face as you listen to these warm, fond memories.
The tales begin with the melancholic "Ain’t Nothing Pretty" which details dirty pictures painted by blues. With a tip of the hat to
Jerry Lee Lewis and others ’50s rockers, "Eight Good Reasons" is honky tonk music with Minglewood’s lower register absolutely
rumbling on piano. Alex Dean’s sax gives "The Price of Love" a steamy feel. "Peter and Joy" demonstrates the flexibility of
Minglewood’s powerful voice as does the beautiful title track whose lyrics will move you to tears.
Except for those who have seen Minglewood perform The Story live, this album reveals his hidden acoustic brilliance. If there
ever was a Canadian folk/rock hero, this CD proves Matt Minglewood is worthy of the title.
- Tim Holek -
Southwest Blues CD Review - May 2007
Current Reviews - 2007 Reviews - available at our store
