Canadian bluesman Matt Andersen brings solo show to The Palms on Thursday, Feb. 7

If “Canadian blues musician” strikes you as a surprising phrase, Matt Andersen will rearrange your thinking. With a powerful voice and intricate, soulful guitar playing, this New Brunswick musician is the real deal. He’s shared the stage with the likes of Bo Diddley, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Gregg Allman, Buddy Guy and Little Feat, and was the first Canadian to win the Memphis-based International Blues Challenge, taking home top honors in the duo/individual category in 2010. Andersen will appear solo at The Palms Playhouse on Thursday, Feb. 7 starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 ($18 with student ID). Andersen has released 12 albums in the last 14 years, the most recent of which is 2018’s “Live at Olympic Hall.” That concert recording captures Andersen in full flight accompanied by The Mellotones. But, as demonstrated by 2009’s more stripped down “Live from the Phoenix Theatre,” Andersen doesn’t need backing from a ten-piece band to deliver a full sound. Andersen can toss off intricate runs on guitar or a big strummy sound. A prolific songwriter, Andersen’s lyrics, such as on “Coal Mining Blues,” occasionally harken to the Maritimes’ strong folk tradition. However, Andersen’s vocals are what make him really stand out. His voice is warm and full, and his relaxed delivery gives it a natural power. It’s a voice that can shake the rafters without sounding strained, and retains its potency even when Andersen sings softly. Andersen’s vocal prowess has won him six Maple Blues Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year awards. Other honors include Maple Blues Awards for Entertainer of the Year and Acoustic Act of the Year, two European Blues Music Awards for Best Solo/Acoustic Act and a Juno nomination for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year. His YouTube videos have amassed over 10 million views. Andersen will release his next album, “Halfway Home by Morning,” in March. Recorded at Nashville’s Southern Ground studios, the blues, rhythm and blues, and Americana tracks on the album feature Andersen and his band along with guest appearances by gospel quartet The McCrary Sisters and Amy Helm. Speaking to the warm sound of the new album, Andersen reflected, “There really is nothing like listening back in the studio and everybody has the same smile on their face over what we’re hearing. You can’t fake the vibe of musicians playing together, responding to the choices others are making in that moment.” Andersen brings that same genuine vibe to his concerts—and, especially when it’s a solo show, those smiles are shared directly with the audience. Tickets for the Feb. 7 show are available at Pacific Ace Hardware in Winters, Armadillo Music in Davis, Davids’ Broken Note in Woodland, online via The Palms’ website and Eventbrite, and at the door if the show is not sold out. For more information, visit palmsplayhouse.com and stubbyfingers.ca.]]>