Acclaimed Canadian singer, songwriter, and guitarist Matt Andersen has released a stunning version of J.J. Cale’s timeless song “Magnolia.” The track is the lone cover that appears on his forthcoming studio album, The Hammer & The Rose. Listen to “Magnolia” on your preferred DSP HERE.
Recorded at the cozy Rooms Coffee in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the timbre of Andersen’s vocals creates a warm and immersive ambiance where the space is as captivating as the performance itself. The subtle and moving arrangement features Afie Jurvanen (guitar) and Christine Bougie (lap steel) from Bahamas, Chris Kirby (keys), Kyle Cunjak (acoustic bass), and Joshua Van Tassel (drums). Watch the live performance of “Magnolia” HERE.
“When the band first arrived at the studio, we got set up and just started jamming a bit,” says Andersen. “We needed to make sure everything was working before we started recording the next day. We gave ‘Magnolia’ a go and settled into a groove pretty quickly. On the last day of recording, we had some time and decided to lay this one down for real. I’ve always loved this song, and it fit right in with the vibe of the record.”
Known for his prolific songwriting, powerhouse vocals, and riveting live shows, The Hammer & The Rose may be the most intimate and nuanced album in Andersen’s celebrated body of work. The lower register, nuance, and texture of Andersen’s voice are upfront throughout the album, which was the vision of producer Joshua Van Tassel. The result is an enchanting and deeply soulful 10-song offering that blends elements of folk, blues, and gospel, delivered with a heartfelt and relaxed vibe.
The Hammer & The Rose is the follow-up to the aptly titled 2023 Juno-nominated album The Big Bottle of Joy. The project featured a full band complete with horns and backup singers and garnered high praise from the press in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. No Depression stated, "This is music that spurs elation, songs that reinforce the love of listening and living," while Glide Magazine said, “Andersen has delivered as uplifting an album as you’ll likely hear this year or any year...”
Whether fronting a band or accompanied only by acoustic guitar, Andersen’s commanding vocals, combined with the charisma he exudes, are completely mesmerizing. He has spent decades cutting his teeth in dusty clubs, dim-lit bars, and grand theatres all over the world, delivering memorable performances that run the gamut from intimate to wall-shaking. His multi-faceted and poignant body of work has led him to amass over 33 million streams on Spotify and 30 million views on YouTube. He has headlined or performed at festivals, clubs, and theatres throughout North America, Europe, and Australia.
Matt Andersen US Spring Tour
w/Julian Taylor supporting
April 3 - Seattle, WA - The Triple Door
April 4 - Portland, OR - The Showdown
April 5 - Baker City, OR - Churchill School
April 7 - Novato, CA - HopMonk Tavern
April 8 - Venice, CA - The Venice West
April 9 - Tucson, AZ - 191 Toole
April 10 - Phoenix, AZ - Musical Instrument Museum (SOLD OUT)
April 11 - Santa Fe, NM - Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery
April 12 - Albuquerque, NM - South Broadway Cultural Center
April 13 - Denver, CO - Swallow Hill Music
May 1 - Portland, ME - Portland House of Music
May 2 - Rockland, ME - The Strand
May 3 - Natick, MA - The Center for Arts in Natick
May 5 - Exeter, NH - The Word Barn
May 6 - Rockport, MA - Shalin Liu
May 7 - Fall River, MA - Narrows Center for the Arts
May 8 - Northampton, MA - Iron Horse
May 9 - New York, NY - Iridium
May 10 - Sellersville, PA - Sellersville Theater
May 11 - Vienna, VA - Jammin Java
May 13 - Pittsburgh, PA - City Winery
May 14 - Cleveland, OH - Music Box
May 15 - Findlay, OH - Armes Hall - Marathon Center for the Performing Arts*
May 16 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark
May 17 - Grand Rapids, MI - Midtown
May 18 - Chicago, IL - Old Town School of Folk Music
May 19 - Madison, WI - The Bur Oak
May 20 - Minneapolis, MN - The Dakota
*Julian Taylor not supporting
