Jumping Matt & His Combo Forward (CD)

(JM) 12 tracks

After thirty years and sixteen albums songwriter, vocalist and harmonica player Matyas Pribojszki AKA Jumping Matt continues to find new and interesting ways in which to engage listeners. Jumping Matt & His Combo’s Forward is a twelve-song program that includes all original songs. 
These songs are wrapped in an aural landscape which has a subtle jazz hue. Matt is joined by Victor Hamvas on organ and piano. These two lead the charge with tremendous musical empathy. They are bolstered by the top flight rhythm section of Daniel Molnar on drums and bassist Laszlo Csizmadia. Special guests include a four-piece horn section and three female back-up singers who enhance this spirited coupling between blues and jazz.  

A personal favorite is the album’s lone instrumental “Beyond the Golden Gate” which was penned by the entire combo. Jumping Matt & His Combo are responsible for all the arrangements on this exciting offering. As much as I love the scenery here, it is the story telling I find the most compelling. Matt told me recently that the songs on this album come from the real-life experiences over the past five years, that he described as an “emotional rollercoaster.” This ride has included the collapse of friendships and the loss of his parents.
Matt stresses that life has also shown its positive side through all of these travails and that is what comes through in his vocal delivery. His singing is soulful, nuanced and subtle. Jumping Matt & His Combo exude an ebullience that makes Forward a very rewarding listening experience. This music is steeped in resiliency and redemption and that’s what the blues is all about. 

-    David Mac BLUES JUNCTION Productions