Matthew Simon

I asked Matthew Simon when he started writing songs. “I can’t remember,” was his response.
“Come on…. just guestimate,” I replied. He looked up and to the left, and then went on to explain that his sister had a clipping from a school newspaper in 1989. He was ten years old and was recognized in a poetry competition. I was not surprised to hear he had been writing for so long considering his prolific and talented lyrics. His music is more dimensional, however, than the typical singer-songwriter. It has been described as Americana, bluegrass, folk, campy, and harmonic and is infused with humor and funk to create a sing-along sound that is familiar yet unique.
His family purchased Buck’s Coffee and Espresso Bar in Lambertville, N.J. in 2008, which is an artist’s hub situated between an art gallery, recording studio and music store. Matthew nicknamed this hub ‘the shop’ and it stuck. Artists now convene there to display their projects, play music, network, and entertain tourists. The shop offered a place for the organic assembly of the musicians that helped bring to life his first album simply titled: One, which is a collection of music from his younger days as a songwriter.
Matthew’s talent, energy, spirit, and collaborative willingness bring together musicians that contribute their own signature elements to his songs. The bright melodies contrast the dark stories told in his rich tenor and are accompanied by my satisfying harmonies. The record is rounded out tastefully with visits from banjo and mandolin riffs along with the dobro and pedal steel guitar played by Matthew’s long time friend, Andy Keenan, an accomplished studio musician who is currently touring with Amos Lee. Twin brothers, bassist Dallas and drummer Will Hosey, whose rhythm is nothing short of uncanny, are the backbone of the band and hold together all the ensemble variations.
--With lots of love,
Jenny Rose
Warning: tunes may get stuck in your head.