The Matthew Skoller Band
These Kind Of Blues
Artist Profile
One of the hardest working harmonica-based blues groups in Chicago, The Matthew Skoller Band rocks with a fierceness not felt since the likes of blues harp icons Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson II. Skoller and his band of veteran musicians are at the forefront of a new generation who’ve come up schooled in Chicago's world-renowned and highly competitive blues scene.
The Skoller Band’s latest CD is These Kind of Blues!, produced by Matthew and Larry Skoller and Vincent Bucher for Skoller’s own Tongue ‘N Groove label. The album features seven new original songs, plus covers of songs by Junior Parker, James Cotton and Jimmy Reed.
Niles Frantz, host of Comin' Home on WBEZ 91.5 FM, Chicago writes,
"These Kind of Blues! is a powerful album that needs to be heard. It is full of top-notch, yet understated playing by great, experienced, young Chicago bluesmen. They dazzle with feel, precision and succinctness, not flash.But what sets this album apart is Skoller's songwriting. Not since the old days have I heard such passionate, straight-from-the-heart expression in blues lyrics."The French blues magazine Soul Bag adds,
“Matthew Skoller does not hide his admiration for Sonny Boy Williamson or Walter Horton -- both major influences -- but he adds his own personal touch wrought with lyricism, a sense of melody and an advanced technique".
National and International Appearances
The Matthew Skoller Band is a highly skilled, highly professional organization, with extensive regional touring experience, gigs at prestigious national venues, and national and international festival appearances. For several years, The Matthew Skoller Band held a regular gig at Buddy Guy's Legends, perhaps the world’s best-known blues club. This helped them build a large and enthusiastic following throughout Chicago and the midwest. Skoller and crew just ended an 8 year run every Sunday at the House of Blues in Chicago. A recent highlight was the band's performance at the 2004 Lucerne Festival.
The band has performed in Greece almost every year since 1997. Matthew also has performed at numerous festivals and club gigs in England, Italy, Norway, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland and France.
