Matt Schofield @ The Guitar Sanctuary w/ Justin Cash 10-15-2021

We once more headed out to the bustling metropolis of McKinney, Texas. To that marvelous venue so aptly named The Guitar Sanctuary. This time I was joined by my better half, the lovely Mrs K. Our mission to the Sanctuary? Twas a concert by none other than Matt Schofield! This was my third time to see Mr Schofield and I was not disappointed. But first let’s chat about the venue, The Guitar Sanctuary, what a great place to see a show. I would say it seats approx 200 more or less. The setup they use for the (tables, reserved seats) main floor and balcony insures great sight lines from anywhere in the place without feeling crowded together. I realize that in this day of Covid, a venue needs to provide “social distancing”, however, I have been to 5 different shows at the Sanctuary, 3 before Covid and this is the way they have always had it setup. Intimate, but not so close together you think you will get intimate with the other patrons. The PA system is hung from the ceiling, providing a full sound without having a stack of speaker cabinets on each side of the stage blowing your hair back and blocking some sight lines. Rick’s Chophouse provides drinks and food at what seems to be reasonable prices. I no longer drink alcohol, but the $2 Coke seemed fair to me.

The opening act for the evening was Justin Cash, I for one always enjoy it when there is an opener. It gives someone else a chance to play and introduces new music to a new audience. Justin’s hour long set was eclectic, interesting and I thought very reminiscent of early Kenny Loggins, especially his vocal stylings. Justin appears to be from the Robben Ford school of chord substitution that I find absolutely fascinating. His songs, from my ears, sound as if they are written as an entire guitar solo, his use of single lines and chords mixed thoughtfully together. Justin Cash played a Telecaster, that I first thought was a “B-Bender” but I was proven wrong, into a PRS amp. Good tone.

Well now, it’s Matt Schofield time! Matt hit the stage about 9:30 and held forth till 11:00, give or take 10 mins. The trio consisting of Matt, drummer Raul Valdez and bassist Wes “The Atomic Punk” Stevenson. Wes’s nickname is my own making, it should not be taken in any other way than complimentary. He is fascinating to watch and plays with such incredible intensity. Meanwhile back to Matt. Matt played his turquoise blue SVL strat running into a Two-Rock amp. TONE! TONE! TONE! Matt opened with a splendid version of “Don’t Know What I’d Do” from the Anything But Time CD. I make no apologies, I really dig Matt Schofield, Matt’s style of writing and playing is unique to the blues in that it’s upbeat (not necessarily the tempo) but with the feel. It’s freakin FUN! Matt followed this up with a smoking slow blues, that just oozed feeling and tasty tone. A huge highlight for me this evening was the playing of Albert Collins’ Black Cat Bone. Quite possibly my favorite Schofield tune. Matt brought out singer Christine Tambakis to play a few, notably “Rock Me” and “Dr Feelgood” (and no, it’s not the Motley Crue song). “Livewire”, “Hindsight”, “All You Need” and others I forgot to write down. Sometimes it’s hard for me to work and listen at the same time. Just an excellent show. Even the moment Matt called out (nicely, I might add) the woman on the front row who decided to answer her phone. Oops.

Matt always does the meet and greet after the show, never seems put upon or bothered. Spoke with me about 5-8 mins, just one heck of a cordial gentleman. He was even a good enough sport to hold a sign while I took a pic. That pic is below. I had to needle two buddies of mine who were unable to make the show. Yes, I enjoyed myself and am already looking forward to when Matt comes back to town.