'...Too Soon': Remembering Matthew

Matthew Jay released his critically-acclaimed album Draw in 2001 at the age of 21. Although the album had brilliant reviews and was loved by fans worldwide, it wasn't the huge hit it should have been. Fans waited eagerly for the second album. Then came the news Matthew had died falling from a window, and the fans, friends and family went into a state of shock. Now, however, is a long-awaited piece of good news: some of Matthews rarities have now been released on a new album Too Soon

Whether Matthew Jay will be as massive as he deserves to be - and believe it, he deserves a string of top 10 hits and undying critical adulation - isn't what's really important. What is important though, is that at just 21, he has the wonderful songs, the sumptuous voice and the gently sussed poise to become very precious indeed to those people willing to listen. You should be one of them. Rob Fitzpatrick, Melody Maker - 15 March 2000

Growing up in Wales with not much to do and in a family of musicians, Matthew Jay had no choice but to become a musical genius. If you like Damien Rice, Badly Drawn Boy, Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake the list goes on and on: youll love Matthew Jay. His debut album Draw was a critical success, though the sales figures didnt really reflect the brilliance of the album. This means that owning the album feels somewhat like having a hidden gem something not yet discovered by the world. His music is folk-acoustic-pop with perhaps a sixties kind of feel/ His voice is mellow and graceful, the songs sad and upbeat in turn, the lyrics catchy and thought provoking. His album will stay on your mind long after it has played its last second. The reason for this may be that there is a hidden darkness to his voice and lyrics. The lyrics are bittersweet, gut-wrenching at times, and Matthew manages to mix innocence with cynicism in a way that makes the listener stop in their tracks. This is Damien Rice with more meat on the bones.

Matthew Jay makes you want to run in the street and just hug everyone you meet. Draw is a joyous, uplifting blend of beautifully crafted melodies and intelligent songwriting that cheers you up no endDraw makes an ideal soundtrack for you to go skipping in the park to." Front - May 2001

Listening to some of the songs on Draw now is almost poignant.Youre Always Going Too Soon is about a friend who dies at a young age, and the second album takes its name from this song. Matthew died at the age of 24 which was almost certainly too soon especially when most felt his mark on the world had yet to been made. The listener has to keep reminding themselves that Draw is a debut album, and from this brilliance you know that even more exciting was bound to come. This fact made Matthews death even more unjust.

He has something special to share with the world. His first two records prove that effortlessly. Thanks to their potent subtlety and his endearing shyness, you're in imminent danger of falling in love with Matthew's graceful heart-rending voice." Siobhan Grogan, NME - 6 May 2000

And perhaps the new album Too Soon is one step towards righting this wrong. The album is a hand-picked bunch of Matthew Jay rarities, which is perhaps why there is something here for all music-lovers. Like Draw, you will be dancing one minute, gazing thoughtfully into space the next. Decidedly more optimistic and funkier sounding than Draw, there are even some dancey sounding songs. Too Soon is a fitting tribute, and a good introduction to the variety and scale of Matthews talent.

Matthew writes songs full of an easy grace and sweetly melodic, heart-tugging suss. Think Dave Grohl singing 'White Album'-era Beatles hits at Bob Dylan's pace. Think songs that make you turn towards your CD player and go "F*** me, that's a bit good!" Rob Fitzpatrick, Melody Maker - 26 January 2000

Ami Barwell

Matthew Jay

10 October 1978 - 24 September 2003

You can hear samples of Draw through iTunes, and buy it from many stores such as Amazon.

To visit Matthew Jays official sites go to www.crookedsmile.com (where there are links to full-length videos and full-length songs. I suggest Call my Name Out or Let Your Shoulder Fall as a good starting point)

and www.matthewjay.com where you can purchase the new album '...Too Soon'

Photos copyright of Ami Barwell and theres more on www.musicphotographer.co.uk

With many thanks to Rachael Magowan for both her help with this article and for keeping Matthews music and memory at the forefront of our minds.

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