The Matthew Shadley Band has released their fourth album, “Emerald” and we can’t get enough of it. “Emerald” features a total of 10 new songs and it’s their first full-length release since “Summer Stone” in 2008. The album features the work of multi-instrumentalist and band founder, Matthew Shadley Brauer, as well as several well-known session musicians.
This album exceeded all of our expectations and it was the best 36 minutes we have ever spent. On our first listen, we were instantly hooked by this band’s writing style. The lyrics are original, well written and the energy behind their performances is incredible. This band has a really unique sound and it stands out, they bring a great variety of tastes and styles to their music that will keep the listeners coming back for more.
On our second listen, the details of the production started to come out and we were able to drift off to the many melodies and production elements present throughout the album. From guitars to vocals, to drums and melodies… it’s a diverse project that can be enjoyed from start to finish and features a timeless experience you’ll enjoy for years to come. We recommend listening through the album from start to finish to get the best experience. Don’t forget to follow Matthew Shadley Band online to stay up to date on any upcoming shows or projects!
ABOUT THE BAND:
The Matthew Shadley Band was formed in 2003 by singer/songwriter Matthew Shadley Brauer in Cincinnati, Ohio. The original lineup also included Jason Scherrer (guitar), Jason Peter (keyboards), Tom Legg (bass), and Chuck Morgan (drums). After the 2004 release of Five Easy Pieces, the band maintained a busy schedule headlining venues and playing regionally from 2004 through 2006. They earned a reputation as “Cincinnati’s live show specialists” (Cincinnati Post), and continued to reach a growing audience through broadcast and internet radio while playing larger venues and showcases, including the Midpoint Music Festival in Cincinnati. The band released a live album Underneath the Red Light in 2005.
The band slowed down its live schedule and continued working in the studio through 2008 with Brauer handling more of the bass, drum, and keyboard duties. In 2008, the band released Summer Stone, which featured many of the songs the band had performed on the stage.
In 2020 during the lockdowns and quarantines, Brauer began working in the studio. It resulted in the band’s first album in 14 years – Emerald.
With an ever-present 1970s classic rock vibe, the songs contain recurring themes of fantasy vs reality, the “Emerald Triangle” and Brauer’s unique observations of human nature. While it is a more ambitious project, it remains consistent with the band’s previous releases Five Easy Pieces (2004), Underneath the Red Light (2005), and Summer Stone (2008).
