July 26, 2007 issue
Crys Matthews: Making Room for the Blues in Bluegrass Country
Regional Artist Project of North Carolina winner Crys Matthews can be found most Tuesday nights at Boone’s Café Portofino with many other local and talented musicians. Matthews, a regular solo performer, decided to make performing in the High Country a community effort and is now branching out geographically.
Offering an eclectic blend of blues, funk and jazz, singer/songwriter Matthews brings a new sub-genre to the area. Her influences range from Otis Redding to Ani DiFranco, and she has been compared to Jill Scott and Tracey Chapman. It’s no wonder there isn’t a box large enough to encompass what she calls FuBluJazz.
“Music has always been a part of my life—even before I took my first breath,” she said. The 27-year-old daughter of a preacher admits that gospel music was her first love. “I’m always amazed at how much true soul music sounds like what I grew up listening to in church.” That gospel influence is evident in her own music, especially in the track she refers to as “a love-letter for anyone who ever had to leave someone,” 2,000 Miles.
Matthews has become a regular performer for private, public and community events in the Watauga and Avery county areas. She is frequently called upon to play at weddings, recitals, concerts and other special community events.
“Crys’ music is delightfully eclectic and she’s always very well-received by our audiences. In our mountain community there is a tendency toward bluegrass fans,” said Cherry Johnson, Executive Director of the Watauga Arts Council. Look for Matthews this summer at Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues of Asheville.
For more information, or to book Crys Matthews, call Ezell Williams at 252-626-7414 or email her at www.ewilliams@alumni.appstate.edu.
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
