An icon of the Boston scene, rocker and songstress Jennifer Matthews can rock like a folk punk PJ Harvey and downshift with the oblique nimble sensuality of Suzanne Vega. Her songs are missions from the frontlines of life and have been described as melodic, infectious and haunting.
Matthews studied vocal performance at the University of Colorado in Boulder and at Denver's School of Music. While in Colorado, she established herself as a solo artist, performing in local bars and coffeehouses. During this period she developed her unique vocal style and her songs gained recognition, leading to several awards from the Rocky Mountain Music Association.
After a three-month tour through Japan, Korea and Hawaii, Matthews relocated to New York where she formed the five-piece band Beautiful Mud. After a highly acclaimed debut release and performing for several years in New York City clubs, the band separated.
Jennifer moved to Boston in 1998 to embark on a solo career. She has cultivated a sophisticated blend of rock with hints of funk & blues on her electric Baritone guitar. While maintaining her strong background in rootsy rock, she slings her blue Martin, combining both instruments equally into her distinctive style.
In 2000 she released "Blue in Blue out" produced by Marc Copely. In 2002, her manager released a compilation entitled, "best of, 98 to 01".
In 2003, Jennifer was nominated for a poetry award by the Cambridge Arts Council for her book of poetry released under Somerville's Ibbetson Street Press; "Fairy Tales and Misdemeanors".
"The Wheel" was recorded and mixed at Windham Studios in Vermont and released in May of 2005 on Thundamoon Records (Independent). It is a 13 song record that covers a lot of territory. Produced by Brian Brown and Jennifer they took the songs to new levels by adding some electronica and loops to her roots rock sound. Jennifer followed up with a west coast tour including performing at the San Diego Indie Music Festival.
In Aug. of 2005, Metronome Music Magazine featured Jennifer as their cover story with a full interview. Shaun McNamara writes "...Matthews and artists like Ann Wilson, Pat Benatar, Doro Pesch and Liz Phair are dissimilar in music style and sound but they all embody an ability to be recognized as straight out rockers. Not female rockers, not rock chicks, and certainly not advocates for a spotlight of women in music. They have no need for a one trick pony. They stood or stand in parallel with the likes of Kurt Cobain, Robert Plant, Neil Young and Chris Cornell, respected for their pure musicianship and charismatic presence..."
In September of 2005 "The Wheel" along with "The Long Journey Home" signed a publishing deal with ACM Records of NY. Oct.& Nov Jennifer toured England promoting "The Wheel" and her soon to be released record "The Sunroom Sessions". Richard Hill of BBC radio writes..."Her melodies are as appealing and azure as her guitar" And Tim Condliffe of nationalgigguide.com writes... "Jennifer's innovative and creative style kept the audience baited on every word and pregnant pause.
Metronome Music Magazine chose Jennifer's cd "The Wheel" in their Top 15 picks of the year for 2005 right along with guitar god Eric Johnson and Elvin Bishop... they wrote... "Jennifer Matthews is sassy, sexy, edgy and above all, talented! Jennifer Matthews rocked the scene with her album The Wheel !"
In early 2006, her much anticipated solo recording,The Sunroom Sessions will be released and available for sale on the Thundamoon Records Label. You can pre-order "The Sunroom Sessions" by emailing thundamoonrecords@yahoo.com
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