Iain Matthews brings all of his musical experience, lifetime experiences and modern outlook to create a captivating album.

Release Date: 18th October 2024

Label: Proper Music

Format: CD / vinyl / streaming

I wonder if when Ian Matthews was making a name for himself at the end of the 60s if he envisaged still being part of the music business as he approached his eightieth year. His contribution over those years has been top quality. A song writing craftsman without being a household name, but one who has maintained the respect of many of his musical contemporaries as well as his faithful fans.

With the expert playing of drummer Sjoerd van Bommel and keyboard wizard Mike Roelof, BJ Baartmans says that in working alongside Iain says they have “discovered new possibilities. The way our guitar parts mingle and my backing vocals blend with his, so recognisable and still strong, voice. Iain is one of the most iconic singers in the folkrock/Americana genre, no doubt. “

The album title implies that one questions has he done enough to leave a lasting legacy the answer to that is clearly positive and the opening track Ripples In A Stream is a personal retrospective look at his life. Its catchy rhythm pulls you in as do the lyrics which can reflect the thoughts of many a child of the sixties.

west coast direction

The rest of the songs clealry show his leanings more toward West Coast America rather than English folk and explains why he went in that direction. Yet he still has a finger on the pulse of social issues with songs like Where Is The Love. The poppy She’s A Digital Girl has a jazzy Latin rhythm with an infectious beat.

The dreamy Good Intentions shows him putting his heart on his sleeve where he honestly admit a relationship was doomed to fail. A country feel runs through the title track where he feels he has plenty to offer but accepting the time will come enough is really enough. I hope for his sake his judgement is good enough to pick the time before he makes a fool of himself because there are some out there who don’t judge it right.

introspective

There are more songs which have an introspective look like I Walk and It’s Complicated; songs which look outward to modern society like The New Dark Ages and Turn And Run, as well as some that affectionately look back like Rhythm And Blues. He tells a good story too in Santa Fe Line.

He’s freely admitted that this could be his last studio recorded album but there is little to convince us that musically the ideas have run out as the instrumentation on this album is exquisite. Not a note out of place, no over egging the pudding. Those who matter around him might not be convinced either.

top of his game

This is definitely Iain Matthews at the top of his game. If this album How Much Enough Volume One implies one hopes that there may be more, then there’s much to look forward to.

Here’s the title track:

Iain Matthews Online: Website / YouTube

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