I'm a music addict long enough to realize that true gems are rare. I also know that bumping into an album that's really mind blowing, an album of which you instantly realize it's something special, an album that you start embracing form the first notes is a rarity.
Now, Matt Cusson I discovered ... just surfing during a free moment, in search for music that might be of interest for the JazzandSoul website. I consider myself privileged as I get a chance to listen and review so much fantastic music. I feel blessed with the opportunity to get in touch with so many incredible musicians and performers and honestly ... I cherish and respect each and every album they send me as if it was my own creation.
But with this album I immediately developed an extra special connection. This felt right from the moment I put the CD in my sound system.
Most of the tracks on Matt Cusson's self - titled debut are best described as intimate, naked love songs. Stripped to their essence with a minimum of instruments and armed with the power of vocal capacity ... but each and every ... oh so beautiful. Matt's style however is difficult to describe ... it isn't particulary jazzy, soulful, poppy or funky. No ... I can assure ... Matt Cusson doesn't fit in one genre. On the other hand, all types of music are professionaly woven through the compositions, ending up with tracks that feel complete and finished. As difficult to describe Matt's styles, it's even more impossible to pick favouirites on this album. Anyway ... here's an attempt ...
When I first heard Every Step, it kind of reminded me of the class and beauty of James Morisson, honest and pure. Heaven is ... heaven with its mellow horns, smooth picking guitar and funky tempo break and Some old Song unites two of the best voices as Matt and Javier blend their talents into a contemporary soul pearl ... angel - like.
Now, I've never been an extreme fan of a cappella music, I like it though and I do think it's one of the purest forms of the art. Matt Cusson often uses it as a perfect addition to enrich his music and even dares to dedicate a full track to vocal harmony. And while bands as Take 6 or The Manhattan Transfer are praised worldwide for what they're doing, I've never heard them doing it better than Matt Cusson does on his A cappella Interlude.
You've noticed that this review is filled with superlatives, but when I listen to a CD like this, I can't help it, I get carried away on clouds and stars. Therefore, Matt Cusson's debut is my first ultimate 2009 discovery and already a serious contestant for the TopTrack Award nominees. Useless to say but highly recommended and a must buy as long as this album is in stock.

A Teach review

Matt Cusson Linxxx

> Matt Cusson Official Website
> Matt Cusson on Myspace
> Buy Matt Cusson by Matt Cusson