Award-winner Scott Matthews in sublime concert

Scott Matthews

The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

review by Andy Richardson

It seems like only yesterday that the former Ackleton rocker Scott Matthews was joining the world's most illustrious band of singer/songwriters by winning the Ivor Novello Award for his hit-single Elusive.

Happily, that sublime demonstration of his unique gifts was not a one-off and he gave further proof of his capacity to transcend the ordinary when he launched his new cd, Live In London, at Wolverhampton's Slade Rooms.

Matthews was imperious in a set that spanned his debut album, Passing Stranger, the under-rated follow-up, Elsewhere, in addition to songs from his forthcoming studio album, What The Night Delivers.

Playing to a capacity crowd, he evoked memories of such luminaries as Tim Buckley, Nick Drake, Robert Plant and Gram Parsons with his ethereal vocals, skilful musicianship and lightness of touch.

And while favourites such as Elusive and Passing Stranger were warmly received by the capacity crowd, it was new sons from What The Night Delivers that really shone, including the other worldly Ballerina Lake.

Matthews is a humble performer who enjoyed the acclaim of the partisan crowd but who lost himself in his music while he played.

There were thrilling moments as he ran through tunes from the sublime Elsewhere, including the majestic Up On The Hill.

Matthews' Ivor Novello triumph may have been three years ago, but on Friday night he showed he still has remarkable talents.