Matt Schofield to Release Anything But Time on Nugene Records on June 14

LOS ANGELES, May 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Widely regarded as one of the finest guitarists of his generation—and the best British-born blues guitarist since the iconic heroes of the '60s—Matt Schofield is set to release his new album, Anything But Time on June 14 on Nugene Records with distribution through eOne. Recorded at The Music Shed in New Orleans, it is the award-winning guitarist and singer-songwriter's fourth studio release.  Anything But Time was made with veteran producer and multiple-Grammy Award winner John Porter—another Brit celebrated for his way with capturing the authentic sound of American blues music.

"I grew up listening to records that John produced—B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, dozens of others," says Schofield, who was born in Manchester, U.K. "We hit it off immediately, all our reference points were the same.  I knew I was in good hands, and it was so relaxing this time out to not produce, to just write songs, play guitar, and sing.  And, we loved being in New Orleans, where John recently moved. I think it influenced the music—maybe not obviously, but in terms of vibe, enthusiasm, and spirit."

Schofield was recently honored as Guitarist of the Year in the 2010 British Blues Awards, and his previous studio release, Heads Tails & Aces, was voted Album of the Year (fans from around the world vote on the Awards, and Schofield drew as many nods from the U.S. as from the U.K.).  On 2011's Anything But Time, Schofield's virtuosity shines. A soulful fusion of contemporary and classic blues, blues-rock, funk and Schofield's distinctive swinging grooves, the album features his "organ power trio" combo—Schofield on vocals and guitar; longtime band-mate Jonny Henderson on Hammond organ and lefthand bass; and on drums, new recruit Kevin Hayes, formerly with Robert Cray for 18 years. New Orleans-based keyboardist Jon Cleary is a guest on three tracks, adding funky Big Easy flavor with piano and clavinet.

Of the album's ten songs, eight are originals by Schofield and writing partner Dorothy Whittick.  The title track, Anything But Time is, he says, "a nod to Booker T & the MG's," and Dreaming Of You is "perhaps the first time I've revealed my full appreciation for the Hendrix school of rhythm guitar." Where Do I Have To Stand finds Schofield exploring a signature slow blues groove, and Don't Know What I'd Do—the album's only straight blues burner—is one of three cut live in the studio with Cleary.  Steve Winwood's At Times We Do Forget marks the first time Schofield has covered a contemporary piece, and Wrapped Up In Love—a classic from Albert King's Stax era—has been on his "to do" list since he first heard it as a teenager. "We've covered B.B. King and Freddie King previously," says Schofield, "so this completes the three Kings for us.  It was cut live, in one take.  I really tried to filter my playing through Albert King's influence while keeping it my own."

That same fluid mix of classic and contemporary fuels Schofield's live shows, and the trio is set to embark on a nationwide tour of the United States this spring and summer.  The itinerary kicks off May 30 in Cleveland, OH, with a final date at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, AR on October 8.  Schofield loves to play live, and it comes across powerfully— Blues Revue, USA has written, "His solos are Santana-like in their command."  Of a recent show in Manchester, the U.K.'s CityLife wrote, "Make no mistake, of all the crop of new bluesmen, Schofield is the most expressive, the most musically eloquent, the one those grizzled hordes should be watching in gobsmacked wonder."  

For more information:

www.mattschofield.net

MATT SCHOFIELD Tour Dates:

SOURCE Nugene Records