Mascot Label Group / Provogue are delighted
to announce the release of the new album, ‘Far As I Can See’, from guitarist,
singer, songwriter and producer Matt Schofield on 14 February 2014 [Cat. No. PRD
7416 2]. Schofield is lauded as the British blues guitarist of current times.
Guitarist magazine said, “There isn’t a better British blues guitarist playing
currently”. With his first release for Provogue, Schofield finds himself as
representative for the long tradition of British Blues on the ultimate blues
guitar label, and gaining a home amongst his peers - the world's greatest
contemporary blues players.
The Schofield story is exploding
internationally; the world is sitting up and taking note. Back from another
well-received US tour, Schofield is expanding his borders. The LA Times stated,
“In Schofield, the UK has produced the best blues guitarist from any country in
decades. Head and shoulders above the herd.” Vintage Guitar magazine said, “The
best of his generation’s European blues players. His feel for the music is
incredible. His playing is so interesting that latching onto his records will
reward any guitarist.”
The new collection finds Schofield on
stunning form, well able to justify both his fearsome reputation and also the
sense of anticipation around this release. Alongside two choice covers from his
musical heroes, the album’s nine original tracks showcase his continued growth
as an exciting songwriter within the genre, delivered with impassioned vocals to
create a diverse and unique take on the blues. “Far As I Can See’” is his fifth
studio album. He has also released four live collections, and a guitar
instructional DVD for publisher Hal Leonard. The recipient of major awards -
British Blues Awards Guitarist of the Year 2010, 2011 & 2012 (making him the
first guitarist in the British Blues Awards Hall of Fame), Mojo Magazine Blues
Album of the Year 2011 and British Blues Awards Album of the Year 2010 – he
imbues this album with stunning musicianship; but never at the expense of heart
and soul.
Matt said, “I had some very distinct goals
in mind, and a few definite broader concepts I wanted to explore. However, I
also wanted to remain open to where the process might take us, maintaining the
excitement that improvising and collaborating with talented musicians allows.
The inspiration and goals came from many places - things I felt hadn't fully
realized on previous studio records, my influences old and new, including
musicians I have wanted to work with for years, and a need to keep growing,
pushing myself, and represent where I'm heading now. First and foremost I
wanted to go as far as possible to capturing the same connection with the
listener that I aim to make at a live show.”
Matt Schofield was rated in the top ten
British blues guitarists of all time by Guitar & Bass Magazine alongside
such icons as Eric Clapton and Peter Green. His prowess as a blues guitarist
has seen him trade licks with iconic guitarists like Buddy Guy and Robben Ford;
and brought him high praise in the ‘Penguin Book of Blues Recordings’ as one of
only two living British artists to gain a maximum four-star
rating.
“Far As I Can See’” is the work of a
mercurial and important artist, a collection of material that brings together
all that is best in its sphere. In his own words, this album is his, “Broadest,
and most musically exciting work so far.” As Premier Guitar magazine confirmed:
“No longer just a guitarist to keep an eye out for, Schofield has arrived, and
cements his status as an important contemporary bluesman.”
Matt Schofield’s Far As I Can See is out
14th February via Mascot Label Group/Provogue records/Warner Music
Finland.
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