Matthew Jo Solo Album

Matthew Jo, singer-songwriter, River Roots Records

[Artist formerly known as Matthew Joe-Leaf, part-time Stand-up Comedy Historian]

Matthew is a gifted musician – at least we think so - and he wants to make a new album. But he needs dollars to make that album and we’re here to help him do just that. The plan of attack: recording sessions in Portland, OR at Rockets Red Glare studios with producers [Rush Sturges, Rudy Slizewski, and Dominic Armstrong] and bandmates [Rudy Slizewski, Dominic Armstrong, and others to be determined]

If you don’t know Matthew Jo we’d like you to. He’s your friendly neighborhood roots-blues-pop-folk-rock star that shouldn’t be fed after midnight. You’re going to hear references to David Bowie and Freddie Mercury when it comes to Matt - and those are fair comparisons - but his heart is with The Kinks and Shel Silverstein. Just listen to his first solo album, “Do It With Your Fingers, David”

There’s a reason Matt has a devoted and loyal fan base in Siskiyou County, CA. On stage, his raw energy emerges, head to toe. A snake charmer with Iggy Pop power. When the sweat starts to drip, it’s on.

Maybe you’ve seen him beat the shit out of a guitar with Wind Fields. Maybe his ballads make you cry. Perhaps he’s cooked you a Chinese delicacy. That alley stranger you smoked a cigarette with under questionable circumstances while chatting about Norm Macdonald? That was probably Matt.

Matt is a guy who sits down and writes songs. He’s done this 100’s and 100’s of times, journal pages with songs can be found in every compartment of his life. For those of us who know and adore him, we feel a healthy handful of those songs are worthy of top-notch recording sessions.

Raised on Weird Al CD’s and Superman comics, this slender man would later have the gravitas to channel Johnny Cash on “Let There Be Light” and own his place as a fellow Man in Black. His songs often center around the interplay of light and dark, questioning fate and mortality through his gravel gospel delivery. His skill with concise wordplay and the strength of a repeated lyric draws power from every word.

He is a staple at Watson’s Vet’s Club in his hometown of Mt. Shasta, Etna Brewing in Etna, Five Mary’s in Fort Jones and Oberon’s in Ashland, OR. Not to mention the one and only Callahan Emporium which he lived above for many a year, the floor a minefield of beer bottles, mic cords and Cheez-It boxes. Paintings of Keith Richards and posters of zig zag inspiring from the walls. David Letterman on YouTube.

Every instrument you can name Matt can play. Guitar. Piano. Harmonica. He has a particular fondness for the brilliance of the accordion. And when he sings, when he asks the heavens some of the deeper truths, it’s as if he’s calling out for actual answers. As if the power of his voice could summon them.

Matthew Jo, Rush Sturges & the Portland crew [Rudy Slizewski, Dominic Armstrong & JD Hafer] have recorded 3 songs for the new album: “Dizzy”, “Give Me the Bill” & “Black Hat Stranger”. Now we need cash flow for the project to enter the next level, allowing the band time and space to create a stellar album. Maybe some cheeseburgers for dinner.

Visuals will come in the form of photo shoots with Natalia Newman and music videos/short films with Christopher Browne, Rush Sturges and the River Roots Records team. Now’s the time to pay it forward and share the Siskiyou County secret talent on a wider plane. Please consider supporting our demented man-child-genius who believes in grabbing life by the cheeks and giving it a fat kiss.

Thank you kindly – Team JoJo