Iain Matthews announces summer tour dates

Iain Matthews

There’s a purity about Iain Matthews’ voice. And it’s mirrored by the integrity of his career. The singer-songwriter has never been seduced by fame. His focus has always been on creating music that captivates the ear, the mind and the heart.

Born Ian Matthews McDonald, June 16, 1946, in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, England, he soared to prominence in 1967, as a founding member of Fairport Convention. In that pioneering band, Matthews created exquisite harmonies with first Judy Dyble, then Sandy Denny. After two years, he left and formed Matthews Southern Comfort. They enjoyed a huge hit with their stirring version of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Woodstock’.

One of the outstanding solo albums Matthews recorded during his years in Los Angeles was 1973’s Valley Hi, produced by Michael Nesmith. Matthews has fronted such bands as Plainsong, Hi-Fi, No Grey Faith, More Than A Song and a Dutch jazz combo, The Searing Quartet. After working for a while in A&R, in 1987 Matthews returned to performing and recording as a solo artist for a time. Mostly based in Austin Texas.

Since returning to live in Europe in 2000, he focused again on his now all Dutch ensemble, Matthews Southern Comfort and his seemingly never-ending stream of solo recordings. Matthews latest album releases include A Bakers Dozen, his most recent solo effort and Fake Tan, recorded in Norway two years ago, with Norwegian icons, The Salmon Smoker’s.

A collaboration with British writer Ian Clayton in 2019 produced his highly praised memoir, Thro my eyes. Making several music book industry end of the year lists.

These days Matthews prefers to focus more on acoustic solo shows, where he tells stories and plays many fan favourites from his 50 – year career. He says, “I have nothing more to prove and this approach to live shows gives me an instant rapport with my audience and room to relax and breathe and reflect.”

Artist’s website: http://iainmatthews.nl/

‘Alone Again Blues’ – live:

Tour Dates – August 2023

Saturday 12th. Chester Storyhouse
www.storyhouse.com

Sunday13th. Buxton Pavilion Arts Centre
www.buxtonoperahouse.co.uk

Tuesday 15th. Worcester Huntington Hall
www.worcestertheatres.co.uk

Wednesday 16th. Green Note. London
www.greennote.co.uk

Thursday 17th. Tivoli. Wimborne
www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk

Saturday 19th. Folk in the park. Sutton. London
www.folkinthepark.com

Sunday 20th. Shrewsbury Castle
www.theatresevern.co.uk

Wednesday 22nd. Kings Hall. Ilkley.
www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/venues/kings-hall-ilkley

Thursday 23rd. Atkinson Theatre. Southport
www.theatkinson.co.uk

Sunday 26th. The Assembly Rooms. Melbourne. Derby
www.melbourneassemblyrooms.co.uk