Matt Andersen, The Big Bottle of Joy
By Martine Ehrenclou
The multi award-winning Canadian musician with the big soulful voice is back with a new album, The Big Bottle Of Joy out March 10 via Sonic Records. This time, Matt Andersen gathered an eight-piece band (also titled The Big Bottle Of Joy) and the vocal power of The Smiths for celebration, inspiration and a spotlight on humanity.
Matt Andersen brought in some of the finest songwriters and A-list musicians to deliver 12 tracks of blues, rock, Americana, and gospel infused tunes that speak to the best of humanity, love, love-lost, stories about life on the road and the loneliness that comes with it. Musicians include Cory Tetford (guitars), Mike Farrington Jr (bass), Chris Kirby (B3, keyboards), Geoff Arsenault (drums, percussion), and Kim Dunn (piano, keyboards, B3).
For a vocalist like Matt Andersen, one of the most talented there is, he chose well. Co-writing most of the songs himself and self-producing the album as well, the songs are well crafted. You’ll find yourself drifting into some of these tracks, pulled into compelling melodies and stories. The synergy between band members is striking and that same kinetic feel exists between The Smiths (Reeny, Haliey and Micah Smith) and Matt himself. The Smiths aren’t just backing vocalists on The Big Bottle Of Joy. They are a presence.
In addition to headlining major festivals, clubs and theatres throughout North America, Europe and Australia, Andersen has shared the stage and toured with Marcus King, Beth Hart, Marty Stuart, Greg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Randy Bachman, Jonny Lang, Serena Ryder, and more. Andersen earned the 2013 and 2016 European Blues Awards for Best Solo/Acoustic Act, won the CIMA Road Gold Award in 2015, and has won multiple Maple Blues Awards.
Kicking off the album is the bluesy rocker “Let It Slide,” an organ-drenched romp that urges people to be good to one another with The Smiths as much a part of the track as Andersen. Both the piano and guitar solos just rip, foreshadowing what’s in store on the rest of the album.
Continuing the theme of helping each other, “So Low, Solo” is a true standout with its syncopated rhythms and delightful melody. Between Matt’s soulful vocal and spot on vocal phrasing, the harmonies, and the superb guitar solo that hints of Albert Collins, you know you have a winner. The piano solo that follows is equally superb.
The radio friendly rock tune “Golden” allows Andersen to dig deep in his lower register before going all out vocally. As with most of the album, the backing singers play a major part with Andersen in call and answer, as a unified voice of their own. About an awakening of sorts after a tough relationship, the song makes space for a brief, inspired guitar solo with glorious tone and punch. An uplifting tune if there ever was one.
Songs about travel like “Aurora” about a love affair with life on the road, “Miss Missing You” and “Rollin’ Down The Road” all involve great storytelling, songs that fold in the love of new places to land for the night. The songwriting is rife with imagery and musically they reflect the lyrical travel themes.
“So Low, Solo”
Another standout is the funky “What’s On My Mind.” The groove and guitar are reminiscent of the band Little Feat in all the best ways. Andersen’s vocal phrasing is tight with the rhythm. The organ strikes lightening on this track and others, along with the tight rhythm section.
Album closer “Shoes” opens with acoustic guitar and Andersen singing solo on this beautiful ballad, co-written by Andersen and Donovan Woods. Matt’s voice is gentle, soulful, as he invites his love to leave the dishes and roll up the rug to dance “with the shoes we got on.”
The Big Bottle Of Joy is a triumph for Matt Andersen. Highly recommended
Order link for The Big Bottle of Joy here
Brutal he needs no instruments with him and he will be a true legend