Biography

-2008-

Soul Bender is a tasty collection of original instrumentals featuring Matthew Stubbs’ expressive electric guitar. Matthew plays to serve his songs, rather than using them as a vehicle to show o; hot licks. His emotional phrasing leaves space for the band to respond – most guitar players can say the words “less is more,” but few deliver. Matthew’s guitar sings Blues stories over his band’s tight, snappy Memphis R&B featuring “Sax Gordon”Beadle. Rare and refreshing, Soul Bender sets Matthew Stubbs apart from most of his peers.

Blues guitarist and VizzTone partner Bob Margolin offers,“Now I know what it might have sounded like if Freddie King had recorded his classic instrumentals in Memphis with the Bar-Kays or at Hi Records. This is the CD I’d choose to keep me rockin’ instead of noddin’ on a long drive to my next gig. And Matthew’s guitar would inspire me -- he plays stories, not riffs. His tone and touch don’t copy any other specific guitar player and his guitar rings and sings clearly. He sets the bar
high.”

Soul Bender is a sensual soundtrack to carefree good times, delivering clever melodies, improvised solos, creative arrangements, and non-stop hip grooves. Recognize echoes of Blues, R&B, and Surf Music, all
blended perfectly into the mix. Matthew’s wordless songs evoke your own memories and feelings.

25-year-oldMatthew Stubbs had great success leading his own band in New England, winning the Boston Blues Society’s Blues Challenge in 2003 and placing third in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Splitting his time since between the Northeast and California, he worked, played,and grew with Racky Thomas, Brian Templeton, MichelleWilson, Janiva Magness, John Nemeth, and Lynwood Slim.

Matthew Stubbs is currently on tour with Charlie Musselwhite, showing off his music to Charlie’s worldwide audiences. When he’s not working with Charlie he tours with his own band, featuring the songs from Soul Bender. Matthew’s responsive playing has uplifted the performances of many well-known musicians, and here his own unique talent for writing and delivering driving, hip instrumentals makes Soul Bender a particularly sweet ride.