Iain Matthews first gained attention as a founding member and vocalist for the innovative Fairport Convention’s first three albums, changing the voice of folk music in his country. He moved on to create Matthews’ Southern Comfort, exploring his interest in American music. They had a No 1 hit in Europe with Joni Mitchell’s ‘Woodstock’. Never one to stand still for very long Iain moved on during the 1970’s with another group, Plainsong. An ensemble with British songwriter Andy Roberts, that allowed Iain to blossom as a writer himself and an agile acoustic guitarist. Between his own solo recording and various Plainsong line-ups Iain released ten albums to critical acclaim including another well known Top Ten US hit with the single ‘Shake It’.
During the early 1980’s Matthews turned towards the business side of music as a rep for Island Records, (an A&R man) but was persuaded by Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin to get back to making music.He returned to the USA for more solo work and Plainsong records. During this period he recorded a wonderful version of Peter Gabriel’s ‘Mercy Street”, contributed to a Phil Ochs’s Tribute album and recorded plus toured with Nanci Griffith. Before finally leaving the USA, he released another highly respected record with the somewhat sarcastic title “Excerpts from Swine Lake”.
In 2000 Matthews settled in the Netherlands and found a busy, happy life in Europe with more touring of the UK and continent. Yet more well received collaborative recordings were issued including a Tribute album to Sandy Denny. Since settling in the lowlands Matthews found some of his most sympathetic musical companions, in the jazz pianist Egbert Derix, American guitarist Jim Fogarty and multi instrumentalist B.J. Baartmans. Despite these superb collaborations, plus a unique partnership with Norwegian alternative rock band, The Salmon Smokers, resulting in one of his most imaginative albums to date , ” Fake Tan”, Matthews now feels he has finally found an almost perfect musical sweet spot, playing solo, in support of one of his more recent solo recordings, the acoustic “A Baker’s Dozen”.
With time now no longer an ally, (Matthews has recently entered his 78th year) later this year (2024) he will release his 38th solo recording, intriguingly titled ” How much is enough”. Is this some sort of message to the music community at large, or simply another teasing album title. Time will indeed show the wiser. As his 60 years (can this be true) in the business prove, things do come around again and again and again…. and until further notice, Iain Matthews, guitar in hand and songs springing from his muse, is available for bookings..