JAZZ FEST MUST-SEE
Andersen adds touch of soul
If you want to attend a soulful jazz festival show this year, look no further than Matt Andersen.
The Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist has a live show that is not one to miss. The power of Andersen’s voice, paired with the Bona Fide, the five-piece band Andersen will be playing with, promises an exciting performance on the festival’s main stage.
Opening for Andersen is the Sue Foley Band, with special guest Lou Ann Barton. Sue Foley is a Canadian blues and roots artist, whose latest album, The Ice Queen, is No. 1 on the Canadian folk, roots and blues chart. Foley is the only female member of the Jungle Show, featuring Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.
Andersen, who grew up in a musical family, said getting into music was the most natural decision he made.
“I just love playing. It’s always been something I’ve done. It’s as much of what I do as anything else,” he said.
Over the years, he has captivated audiences worldwide with songs like Honest Man, and his rendition of Ain’t No Sunshine, originally by Bill Withers. At the Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Andersen said fans can expect to hear a lot of the same songs from his latest album, Matt Andersen and The Mellotones Live at Olympic Hall, which was released on May 26. However, Saskatoon audiences will hear the sound of the Bona Fide in behind Andersen, rather than the Mellotones.
Although Andersen hasn’t been to Saskatoon in a few years, he said he’s happy to be back in the city to see some friends, do some writing and, of course, have fun.
“It’s always lots of fun on stage. Playing for audiences in Saskatoon at the jazz fest, they’re always up for a good time it seems like, so we’re looking forward to doing that.
“We’re always smiling on stage. Come out ready to have a good time and smile. It’s not a very slow show, that’s for sure,” he said.