It’s Alive: Matthew Perryman Jones

Swallow the Sea – CD Release Party - Exit/In – 08/23/2008

The Exit/In played host for Matthew Perryman Jones’ Nashville Release Party celebrating his hot off the presses CD, Swallow the Sea.

The resident Nashville singer-songwriter brought a very engaging show to the legendary Exit/In stage. The well thought out set included a great mix of heavier rock and soft sing-along ballads that included the very popular “Save You”.

Over all, Swallow the Sea leaves the listener with a view of the longing and hope brought about when one stands face-to-face with himself after the tides of life forces reflection.

Lyrically, this latest release brings to mind the phrase: Drowning with Land in Sight. It is a scratching for something deeper than what is available; a seeking for more that what is on the surface.

The songs on Swallow the Sea are the yearnings of a man with hope and dreams…a mature man asking the questions of others that only he can answer for himself yet he solicits us to join him on this part of his journey.

I wanna rock and roll
I wanna give my soul
I'm wanting to believe
I'm not too old

Don't wanna make it up
I Don't wanna let you down
I wanna fly away
But I'm stuck on the ground

Matthew Perryman Jones fills this latest discovery with songs of reflection, prayer, soliloquies, and monologues, just as a modern day poet should. He uses his power of pen and verse to put the questions of his heart to those who will take time to listen and recognize a bit of their own struggle, joys, and sorrows. Without coming off as too heavy and self consumed, Swallow the Sea forces a riotous AMEN from anyone who has longed and lost, gained and wondered, hoped and searched.

Opening Saturday evening’s show was up and coming artist Alva Leigh [formally Allie Peden]. Leigh brought her piano driven songs to the stage with a band well suited for the occasion.

After Leigh, Trent Dabbs, a Nashville crowd pleaser, graced us with his passionate and well crafted songs. He proved to be a fine opener for Jones’ party.

Also taking the stage before night’s end, was Jones’ wife Meghan along with a few of the artist who recently returned, with Jones, from the Ten out of Tenn tour. Katie Herzig, Andy Davis, and Griffin House added their vocals in support of their friend on his big night.

The only negative moment in the whole evening came towards the end of Matthew Perryman Jones’ set when he was sadly upstaged by Uninvited Guest.

During Jones’ tender introduction of a song written for his baby, Canaan, the Exit/In’s secret came streaming out from it’s hiding places. Being at eye level, the front line began to back away slowly from the edge of the stage thus missing the introduction and most of the song that followed. After the show, when Jones was shown the reason why people were moving away, he joked by saying: “Man, I was scared I had body odor…”

All in all, Matthew Perryman Jones’ CD Release Party was a great victory. Here’s hoping for much success for him for he is proof that nice guys can finish first.

Zss

© 2008 Wrosesongs

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