Artist: Matt Wertz
Album: Today & Tomorrow EP
Label: None
Purchase: Aware Store
Release Date: 2005
Overall: 9.6
Music: 9.5
Lyrics: 9.7
Production: 9.6
Matt Wertz is very much a native of the solo-songwriter scene. Touring the nation countless times with friend and producer Dave Barnes, recording two previous full-lengths, and about working on his third record, Matt took five songs written over the last five years and recorded them, in one day. The recording process was lightly explained in the liner notes of the record. Very relaxed and sometimes multiple musicians ‘crowded around one mic’, a very back-to-the-basics approach was taken. I read these notes before listening to the record, and expected a something less in quality than his last two CDs. Fortunately, I was completely off with my predisposition.
The Today & Tomorrow EP quickly became a staple in my car stereo. The five songs were not b-sides, or recorded like they were. The first track Like The Last Time is available on Matt’s myspace page, and begins with Matt’s spoken introduction, ‘we’re rolling this…(beatbox)’. Matt explores the acoustic rap-singing world that Jason Mraz has brought to mainstream. While I don’t like to compare artists so directly, Jason and Matt would make a very well-paired tour. Both artists have the voice to battle the pop icons and the guitar skills equal to their voices. This EP highlights Matt Wertz’s vocal talents. His balance between the powerful side and soft side is perfect.
Most bands that put out an EP in between records to ‘tie fans over’ do it hastily or without much effort. While Matt did this in a short amount of time, the songs have been in the works for years and the musical collaborations were delightfully arranged. Available for $4.99 on iTunes, and also on his site, don’t overlook this release. This CD is for anyone who likes singer-songwriters and acoustic guitars.
Track Listing
1. Like The Last Time
2. Wanderin Eyes
3. Red Meets Blue
4. Honest Man
5. I’m Sorry Mary
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