Jon matthews music
MUSIC
2024 Between the Lines
If one were to type the name 'Pierrepoint' into a search engine, Albert Pierrepoint, the famed British executioner (who legally killed around 500 prisoners in his career) would be the name that you would inevitable come across. But, to me, the name Pierpoint brings to mind Norman Pierpoint, the person with whom I've collaborated on most on this, my latest album.
But what does Albert Pierpoint, the professional British executioner and my musical collaborator Norman Pierpoint have in common? Well, apart from the ominous surname, not a lot. But they are both the last of something: Albert was the last British executioner; and Norman, was the last musical collaborator; my last song writing collaborator, that is. I don't know where Norman is now, he didn't leave his telephone number, and he left to start a new life somewhere in North Norfolk. But wherever he is, I hope one day he may hear his songs and be pleased with what I've done with them; if he thinks I've bettered his embryonic monotone ideas.
There is one other co-author featured on this album. He came round my flat with a couple of ideas many years ago then disappeared. He was a friend of a friend and I have no hope of finding him, or thanking him, for his song - In the Summertime. I would like to imagine that he would also be pleased with my interpretation of his work, and not tell me to stick it where the sun don't shine!
I would like to dedicate this album to Dad, who passed away in January of this year. To me, and countless others, this was a very unwelcome disappearing act. Dad may not have written any songs on this album, but he certainly encouraged, advised and inspired me in all my musical endeavours; and, If there are any songs on this album that sounds innovative or interesting, it would be due to Dad - truly the last of a unique breed of man, father - and musician
2022 Dylan, Cash & Presley
It's good to have undertaken and completed another album. And; yet again, it's been a good two year's since the last one. Unlike So Short and Sweet, there are no covers; but, I still rely heavily on other's for inspiration. One of those 'others' is, surprisingly (since he cannot play a musical instrument) an acquaintance who contributed a good deal to the songs School life and Feminist; and also, who's fiancée, Mary, inspired a song of the same name.
If you need proof of this man's nu-harnessed raw talent, you can hear him singing in the choruses of Feminist. The individual in question is a man called Jared. Jared has a degree in acting and theatre work, is available for bit-part television parts; and, all paid performance related roles. His penchant for all things theatrical must have begun in a little stage-light twinkle in his father's eye, because it was his dad who came up with the idea for the My Maria song.
A gentleman by the name of Mr Norman Pierpoint has the honour of being my second inspiration and collaborator. A singer-songwriter in his own right, of mostly spiritual songs, Norman doesn't mind me pinching the odd tune; (or all, in fact) and, has kindly let me have the songs: Lay Your Burdens Down, Reconciled, and Cantec de Inchinare.
Cantec de Inchinare translates as Worship Song, and is evidence of a new interest I have in foreign languages - Romanian in particular – because, I believe, this language lends itself well to song, not to mention that it's interesting and challenging for me to sing in another language. The challenge made less great with the help of my on-line language tutor, Sefora G, who not only helps me with pronunciation, but on rearranging words for greater rhyming, and poetical potential.
So then; after lastly, (though not leastly!) mentioning an old friend Richie Briggs for the songs Don't blow your Mind and So Glad that You're Here, I can say emphatically that this album is all my own doing. Even the album cover, one which I believe would have put Louis Tussaud's Great Yarmouth House of wax to shame, has been drawn by myself.
2020 So short and sweet
Jon hates to admit that this album took way over a year to complete. This was because, although he felt he had some good songs, he wasn't so sure about the style and pace. This album features a few 'firsts': it includes a rap in Lucy in the sky with Diamonds: a stock Worship song, More love, More power, which has a triplet rhythm running all the way through; and, Sit here and Wonder, a reggae / folk anti-racist composition, written by Simon Playford. The title track, So short and sweet, Jon attempts a jaunty waltz with no particular lyrical meaning, whereas, The Devil's got a wicked sense of humour, is overt in meaning and had to be included because 'it took me a good half an hour to think of the lines: 'for regret and repentance, try me for size...for every fooling sentence, I apologise'. Jon doesn't think he could waste an original rhyming couplet of that standard!
2018 Sail with you
Jon considers the title track to this album to be one of 'my finest vocal performances'. The album features some of Jon's own personal favourite self-penned songs, and one of the best ska love songs he has ever heard: Moonlight lover. Three great trumpet players helped Jon on this album: Tim Moore, Joel Harding and the internationally renowned Ray Simmons.
2017 Different Trains
This album is dedicated to the memory of Jon's mum and her spirit of love and loyalty. It includes songs with themes that touch on some of the harder realities of life; and, with a more humorous and encouraging vein, this album also contains one Jon's first interpretations of a Christian Worship song: Grateful.
2015 Wrestling with an Angel
This album incorporates music considered charming and innocent; music written by Jon's friends when they were adolescents, such as the ingenuous Hero in the skies, which delineates the pros and cons of fame.
A more sophisticated feel giving us mature tunes such as Jon Airdrie's Cold heart river of gold. The album also includes music that Jon tailor made for a colleague's piece of poetry; namely, Hello by Lianne W.
2014 My attic room
Making good use of talented friends, this album prominently features Aneta Griggs, who assists Jon with vocal harmonies; Jane Craven with her flute embellishments; and, Kelvin Self who lends a powerful male tenor. As well as divers songs written by Richie Briggs and Jon Airdrie, the album also includes interpretations of Jon's favourite Elvis and Beatles tunes: Surrender and Blackbird respectively.