Blast From the Past - Ben Mattinson and Joe Mason at Avenue 67
Charles Paxton October 29th, 2007
The Juice is posting this review as a tribute to the late Sue Bennett, principal organizer at Appleby’s Centre 67 Youth Centre, a lady who gave much for the Youth of Cumbria.
Ben Mattinson in full swing at Avenue 67It’s March 9, 2007 and I’m kicking back and relaxing down at Appleby’s Avenue 67 again. This new youth club is in for a treat tonight - another debut. Ben Mattinson and Joe Mason are tuning up in preparation for their first double-act together against a comfortable background murmur of conversation. I’m enjoying the growing sense of expectation along with some really tasty pizza and rosemary fried potatoes. The venue looks great, candle-lit diners at every table; it’s very mellow. I know some of Ben’s music from his debut album Rooms (available for sale at Music Horizon), and I know we’re in for a good show.I didn’t realize then just how good it was going to be. Simply put, it’s one of the best live performances I’ve yet seen - Ben is one of those rare and wonderful musicians who sound as good live as they do in the recording studio. Joe Mason’s backing was spirited and flawless and the pair interacted with a natural grace and fluidity that made the synchronicity look deceptively easy. The music was punctuated with amusing commentary that counterbalanced the serious nature of many of the songs and lent the whole musical experience a valuable intimacy.
Ben Mattinson and Joe Mason play with natural grace and fluidity at Avenue 67Both lads are from Carlisle, Ben started out on drums at 13 and moved on to guitar at 15 and then to singing his own songs at 16. Formal musical training and Church involvements have nurtured and polished his talents. The Ben & Joe hook-up was due to a Church connection - proof if anyone still needs it that the Good Lord does perform wonders.
Joe Mason shaking it up!Though just 17, Joe is professionally trained and already becoming a well experienced and versatile public performer. He supported really well and his career will be worth watching.
Joe Mason on guitarBen identifies Duncan Sheik as his main musical influence and stresses the importance of alternative melodies, originality and uniqueness in his own music. All but two of the songs in the set are originals penned by himself and in my opinion they were better than the covers. Though Ben’s rendition of Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby really made it his own - and as he pointed out with a disarming wink, she probably didn’t write that one.Ben’s guitar work complements his voice brilliantly - the whole effect is complex and intelligent, sensitive and forceful.It was a very powerful set, but I have favorites, the following songs are outstanding:Sunrise Town - a delightful song inspired by The O.C. TV show’s theme tuneBreathe Your Fire In - a passionate and gnostic hymn, and beautiful music in its own rightandThe Monkey Song - a glorious, joyously playful and very catchy exploration of the simian conditionThis brief favorites list gives some idea of the range of expression and variety of Ben’s musical themes. If you missed this concert - and too many people did, don’t worry there’ll be more where this came from. He plays at Leonardo’s in Carlisle every alternative Friday and Saturday Night From 7pm. For Up to Date Gigs and News Sign Up to the benmattinson.co.uk Mailing List.On one level Ben provides excellent entertainment value and if you care to look deeper then you’ll find treasure in the lyrics. It takes courage to bare your soul this way, and as religious awe is contagious, Ben’s music may be more powerfully persuasive in its subtlety than an army of fire and brimstone preachers or vociferous muazzins.
Hear songs from Ben Mattinson’s debut album Rooms at Music HorizonFor More On Ben See His Website