![]() I loved all the Atlantic/Atco stuff, and especially the Stax/Volt stuff, and was very, very lucky because I got to see all these people live. I'd also have to give a special mention to my big brother, who turned me on to the first two Taj Mahal albums, The Nat'ch'l Blues and Taj Mahal, when they first came out the moment I heard 'Good Morning Miss Brown', it was like I'd always been there. The next wonderful things my Dad did for me included The Franklin Sisters (before Aretha went solo!…and it was either Erma or Caroline who originally sang 'Piece Of My Heart', which is why I've never had the least time for Janis Joplin), early Gladys Knight, the Staples Singers, remember to ask me about them later as there's an amusing and significant story in it, and best of all, both James Brown and Etta James. Then came the important part: my Dad was a fan of Black music and brought home the most wonderful stuff - Gospel, New Orleans Trad jazz, and most important of all, Ray Charles. Next were Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis, plus a bit of Patsy Kline…I have to say that Floyd Kramer's legendary piano style was quite an influence. With strong story telling, diverse arrangements and littered with catchy hooks, Heartland demonstrates Matt’s versatility as an artist and his development as a genuine and unique crossover artist between Australian, Americana and Outlaw Country.The earliest music I latched onto was Bach, followed by the 'Impressionist' orchestral composers like Tchaikovsky and Ravel. “Now That You Have My Heart… is testament to Ward’s ability popular country and alt country elements to produce convincingly heartfelt songs on this strong debut”. ![]() This experience has only served to expand Matt’s influences, broadening both his personality and capacity as a musician. Most recently Ward has travelled through music, living and touring out of Texas in the United States. ![]() His journey as adult, combined with his strong urban roots, provide compelling authenticity as an artist. A songwriter’s songwriter whose material speaks deeply and simultaneously of his journey and of ours.” (Matt Fell, 4 x Golden-guitar winning producer) “Matt Ward is that guy… Wordsmith, tunesmith, and craftsman. Time on the road, his connection to the country, emotions experienced along the way – it is the lifeblood of country music, and Matt has it in spades. Working for years across regional and outback South Australia, Ward has an intimate knowledge of the land and its people. But Matt’s musical journey has been different from most. Featuring some of Australia’s best musicians, Heartland combines classic Australian influences with outlaw and classic country to draw comparison to Paul Kelly, Steve Earle and Jason Isbell in the songs, vocals and band arrangements. Crafted by award-winning producer Matt Fell at Love Hz Studios (Sydney), Heartland showcases Matt’s exceptional songwriting and takes the listener on an album-length journey of love, loss and redemption. Rhythms Magazine described Heartland as a “ strong debu t “, its track Annabelle as a”world class song” and that the single Take Me Home “wouldn’t be out of place on a Catherine Britt or Fanny Lumsden record”. ![]() His debut album “Heartland” reached #1 ARIA Australian Country album, and debuted at #1 on iTunes country charts. Each of his three singles (Annabelle, Back to the Country and Take Me Home) have been highly successful releases and along with Heartland have received nearly 110,000 streams on Spotify. Delivering a soulful blend of Australian Country and Americana music, Matt Ward is rapidly forging his own space within the Australian Country and Americana scene.
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