Matt Giles
Photo by Matt Giles
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“I’d known Matt was a force to consider but I didn’t really know until I started playing with him on a regular basis in The Purgatory Players. His playing is impeccable, not an ounce of look at me showboating to be found, while it became clear he could burn most guitarists to the ground without even knowing it. This record though is like a songbook of American music from Memphis and anywhere south and east from that point. There are equal parts Toussaint and Steve Cropper and Eddie Hinson, interwoven seamlessly. The songs and the playing stand up to anything, but the groove and the pocket remain the star. Matt Giles is one hell of a guitarist and this is one hell of a record.”
-Jon Dee Graham, Musician
Artwork and Photography by Matt Giles
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“I’ve been a fan of Matt Giles music for many years. His infectious guitar sounds and the rock & roll magnetism of his 1970s-cool vocals feel natural and never over-stylized. A master of the lyric economy: snarky and silly, serious, and humble, Matt creates vignettes and stories with sing-a-long simplicity and groove for miles. I can’t help but smile when listening to Year Of The Dog these songs that I’ve had the pleasure to hear live so artfully embellished but never heavy-handed.”
-Seela Misra, Musician
“I’ve been dying to hear Matt’s record since we got to play an amazing song he’d written for it at Gospel Brunch a few months ago. Matt has always been the complete guitar player and a tremendous gentleman, and now it seems he’s also a world-class songwriter and recording artist. Right on!”
-Rich Brotherton-guitarist; proprietor, Ace Recording
Artwork and Photography by Matt Giles
Click here to download hi-res copy
“People really respond when Matt Giles plays live they get up off their asses and dance. His new record spits that same energy. Sweet Matty G brings all the slinky, greasy, grooving, sweaty rock club mojo. Year of the Dog has more vibe, character, and old-school cool than the Jungle Room at Graceland.”
-Stephen Belans, Musician
Matt Giles has been an Austin songwriter, guitar player, and singer for 30 years. Originally from Baltimore, his family moved every three to four years when he was a child. Inspired by the blues compilations, the piano his father felt was important to have; plus the records his parents played, Matt’s passion for music grew from there. Moving also expanded his worldview and taught him that people overall, are the same everywhere even with regional differences. As a side musician, he’s played with over a hundred artists during this time. His musical background encompasses Louisiana swamp pop to Chicago blues, from Texas rhythm and blues to funk and soul, from country to conjunto. Matt’s debut solo album, Year of the Dog is a collection of ten songs enveloping the essence of American southern roots music. He has collected stories from his childhood memories and translated them into songs mainly about lost and found love, self-journey, and the struggles of life.
Year of the Dog was produced, recorded, and engineered by Eldridge Goins at Mixorama Studios in Austin, TX. “Eldridge is a great musician with phenomenal ears and great to work with. We think alike when it comes to making sounds. We’re great friends and working there with him was a perfect fit.” All songs on the album are written by Matt Giles. Musicians on the album include Matt Giles (vocals, guitars, bass, omnichord), Eldridge Goins (percussion, omnichord, background vocals), Noel Mckay (bass), Neil Pederson (Wurlitzer electric piano), Brad Houser (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone), John Bush (congas), Kelley Mickwee (background vocals), Gary Newcomb (pedal steel), Paul Deemer (trombone), Mike Sailers (trumpet), Jessica Mortensen (saxophone), Wendy Colonna (background vocals), Dan Walton (piano), McKenzie the Cat (percussion), Jorge Castillo (background vocals), Barbara Nesbitt (background vocals), Jimmy McFeeley (bass), Matt Farrell (piano), Kevin Flatt (trumpet and flugelhorn), Leo Gauna (trombone) and Michael Perron (fiddle, tit-fer.)
Matt’s band of sidemen, The Drakes, has been playing steadily for 12 years and his solo band has been off and running for over a year. He has recorded two full-length albums with The Drakes and has recorded as a session musician for a variety of Austin artists for over two decades. Matt will be live streaming his debut release, Year of the Dog on Friday, October 9, 2020, 8:00pm - 9:30pm.
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