Midnight – 1:00am
Played By The Game
Monday, 12 May 2025 00:05
Matt Andersen’s new album delivers soul, grit, and heartfelt storytelling
Canadian blues and roots powerhouse Matt Andersen has returned with his eleventh studio album, “The Hammer & The Rose”, released in April.
This introspective collection marks a departure from Andersen's signature high-octane blues, embracing a more stripped-down, acoustic sound that highlights his soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting.
The album's genesis traces back to Andersen's 2023 tour for Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy. After one performance, producer and drummer Joshua Van Tassel suggested capturing the quieter, more intimate moments of the set in a new recording. This led to sessions in Nova Scotia, where Andersen, Van Tassel, and a select group of musicians—including Afie Jurvanen on acoustic guitar and Christine Bougie on lap steel—recorded live off the floor.
The result is a ten-track album featuring nine original songs and a cover of JJ Cale’s “Magnolia.” Standout tracks include “Always Be Your Son,” a poignant tribute to Andersen's father, and “Countin’ Quarters,” which delves into financial struggles with lyrical honesty.
Another standout is the romantic ballad “You’re Here to Stay,” a heartfelt acoustic number currently featured on The Bay 88.7 FM as part of its rotation spotlighting Canadian roots music. Critics have praised the album's emotional depth and minimalist arrangements. Blues Rock Review noted that The Hammer & The Rose offers "a nice reflective, mellow morning coffee vibe with real heart and soul."
Fans in Ontario will have the opportunity to experience Andersen's new material live when he performs at the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The concert will feature a solo performance by Andersen, with special guest Steve Marriner.
Tickets are available now through the Algonquin Theatre's box office: tickets.algonquintheatre.ca
The Hammer & The Rose stands as a testament to Andersen's versatility and willingness to explore new musical landscapes. By embracing a more subdued and intimate approach, he invites listeners into a space of reflection and emotional resonance, reaffirming his place as a compelling voice in contemporary blues and roots music.
Sources:
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