This CD will probably appeal to people enjoying diverse, melodic and interesting music. On this solo CD, featuring all his own original material, Matt is singing, playing all the instruments and acting as producer.

The musicianship is very good. The most dominant instrument on most cuts was drums and or percussion. Matt's vocals are very compelling, and I feel that his song-writing skill is of a high quality

I enjoyed the whole CD. It has been in the CD player a lot since I received it for review! I like the way Matt uses his percussive skills and I also really like his guitar techniques. His lyrics are good too - they always have a message. In a lot of ways Matt reminds me of a British artist called The Beavis Frond. I very much enjoyed the wry liner notes, the simple cover and the amusing way in which credits for each of the cuts were listed.

Some bio material on Matt: Matt Kimbrell (b. 1959, Birmingham, AL) brings 28 years of experience to the drum chair. Matt didn't learn his techniques overnight - his father: pianist, vocalist and arranger, Henry Kimbrell, gave Matt his first paying gig at the age of 12. Matt hasn't left the stage or studio since. He fronted a couple of successful indie-rock bands in the 70s and 80s, Jim Bob and The Leisure Suits and The Ho-Ho Men. The Ho-Ho Men matured into Mambo Combo, a band that enjoyed 10 years of success in and around Birmingham during the late 80s and into the 90s. During that time Matt was a sideman in several new-wave, pop, roots, and party bands. These bands included: Tim Lee, The Sugar La-La's, Bud Green and The Hurlers. Working with these bands, Matt has played in every state in the union and Canada.

Closer to home Matt played on 19 CD projects in the 90s. Mostly Roots music including: Robert Moore and the Wild Cats, Big Dixie, Mambo Combo and most recently, Ryan Reardon and the Levee Breakers' debut CD, So Long, Baby.

Matt has been involved with the band Levee Breaker for about a year and half and proven to be more than a reliable time-keeper for the band. Not only is he said to have the best meter in Birmingham, but he also has a terrific sense of melody and the ability to play great parts. Because Matt listens to great music, Matt plays great music. In a blues context, Matt's strength lies in his ability to lay down a danceable shuffle. Matt versatility as a player allow him to do brush work on the jazzier side of the 'Breakers material and rock solid playing on the R&B side.

In addition to his current drumming gig for the 'Breakers, Matt is teaching at The Birmingham Percussion Center. Matt will also be playing on Ryan's 2nd CD, Walkin' In Golden Sunshine, and he has committed to touring with Ryan for the next two years.

Order information: MB.CB Records 1-205-822-8793
2404 Hawkbury Lane
Birmingham, Al. 35226-1617
http://www.its-good.com

This review is copyright © 2001 by Louise Peacock, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.

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