Matthew Alexander – The Matter of the Heart
Not quite James Taylor, or as folky as Gordon Lightfoot, growly as Bob Dylan. So, what is this conglomeration? Matthew Alexander sings songs that are quasi-middle-of-the-road, like Paul Brady, Darryl Braithwaite, Alfie Zappacosta, some of the late Chris Rea & close to, if not heavily in, the tradition of Australian Gary Shearston (“I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Dingo”)—a likeable style with his ever-colorful voice & supported by acoustic guitar picking & piano tinkling.
“Explosion” & “A Crooked Rhyme” are 2 wonderfully textured songs that start the showcase warmly & with lots of artistic latitude. With mild arrangements that carry the music along with a delicacy of expression. 15 pieces explore The Matter of the Heart (Drops May 15/Caravan Records/46:19), self-produced, & recorded in North Carolina, except for “Moon Storm” (produced by Joey Maxwell).
There’s a light Jimmy Buffett island-inspired melody on “Don’t Let the Night Steal Your Dreams,” which could’ve been an excellent Beach Boys song. Alexander is raspier here, but it works; it adds the necessary sincerity to the lyric. Yes, the music is basically Americana/roots, but the stylization is firmly tied to an easy-listening recipe. This is Matthew’s 9th solo album & it’s well-crafted.
When Matthew goes pop-folky (“The Matter of the Heart”), he cruises through the essentials of the late Kris Kristofferson, with a flirtation of creativity of Jimmy Webb & Bernie Taupin & with the light touch of the late John Prine. Matthew Alexander (vocals/piano/organ/synth/acoustic guitar/whistle) covers quite a lot of musical acreage but keeps it in a subtle structure. It’s like conjuring the ghosts of great songwriters & adding your own dash of whimsicality & seriousness to maintain your own hybrid.
Matthew’s only guilty of one thing: his well-written lyrics work but can be a bit rhymey (“Dreamers Dream About Everything”) on some stronger songs & add a pound of cliches (“I Walk a Lonely Road”). The melodies & instrumentation always sparkle. Matthew has good ideas, themes & topics, but his lyrics should be a bit more acute – like his guitar playing & vocals. “I Walk a Lonely Road” is beautiful, but lyrically doesn’t leave me with a deep message or memorable line. And it should. It could.
“Beautiful One” & “A Love Worth Fighting For” are catchy in a ’60s MOR spirit — similar to singers like Ronnie Dove & Bobby Goldsboro. Overall, Matthew always delivers poignant, intense, & sensible songs typical of a seasoned troubadour who still has interesting stories to tell.
Highlights – “Explosion,” “A Crooked Rhyme,” “Don’t Let the Night Steal Your Dreams,” “Moon Storm,” “The Matter of the Heart,” “Dreamers Dream About Everything,” “Tomorrow’s Tears,” “A Boy of Ten,” & “A Love Worth Fighting For.”
Musicians – Ron Brendle (acoustic/electric bass) & Al Sergel IV (drums).
CD image courtesy of Nathanael de Lachaise. CD @ Apple & https://alexandertunes.com/albums
Enjoy some of our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Matthew Alexander “Midnight Dream Station”