Matt Axton at Longstaff House

Matt Axton is a gifted singer/songwriter.

Granted, that’s a claim made by many artists that inhabit the world of Americana these days, but in Matt’s case, it’s more than a mere boast.

The ability to make music is firmly infused in his genes, courtesy of a family history that implanted that ability in him early on.

While he modestly describes his sound as a “humble slice of Americana,” it’s clear that it possesses so much more.

With a style that encompasses country, folk, roots, rock, R&B, and pure pop proficiency, he defies easy categorization.

With a rich reservoir of original tunes — over 300 in fact — and three well received albums (Blue Sky Rain, Matthew C. Axton and Badmoon),  he’s established himself as a prolific and proficient singer, songwriter and guitarist, both on his own and at the helm of his various ensembles.

Even a small sampling of his musical output proves the point.

His “Blue Sky Rain” is both stirring and seductive, an easy amble that belies  its description of the topsy turvy travails that accompany the entanglements of relationships.

“Born of Chains” is flush with steadfast determination, a rugged, relentless bluesy-rocker that conveys clear conviction and a desire to overcome whatever obstacles are tossed in his way.

On the other hand, “Everything” is an homage to romance, desire and faithfulness shared with some upbeat bluegrass banter.

Here again, Matt demonstrates his remarkable fluidity and a decidedly affable attitude.

Notably, he also keeps good company.

Matt has recorded original material with Steve Ferrone (drummer for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) and Hal Cragin (bassist for Iggy Pop), and shared sessions at the legendary East West Studios in Hollywood where Tom Petty recorded much of his work.

The songs include: “Last Search”, a Southern rock-style anthem; “Born of Chains,” which shares a  sparse and dark singer/songwriter vibe; the Americana style “What a Day”; the soulful strains of “Soul to Sell” and “The Big South”, a blues groove reminiscent ZZ Top.

He has collaborated on projects such as “Abbey Road Reimaged – A Tribute to the Beatles” where Aaron Badgley of Spill Magazine called Axton’s cover of ‘Octopus’ Garden’ “pure genius.”

Axton tours nationally playing large festivals and iconic institutions as well as opening up for acts like Midland, Paul Cauthen, Jim Lauderdale, and Nikki Lane.

The verve and versatility underscore the fact that Matt is a master of many motifs.

“Matt’s powerful songwriting and vocals, along with his natural rapport with the audience, was the highlight of the 4th of July celebration where we hired him to play for the 3,500 people at Donner Lake,” said Ben Martin, executive director of the Tahoe Truckee School of Music and Tahoe Music Professionals booking service.

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