![\"DSC03997\"](\"http:\/\/houstonmusicreview.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/DSC03997-200x300.jpg\")
<\/a>It has been way too long since I last caught Matt (Sever) the Electrician. I picked up from Facebook that he would be performing in town at Burlinghall House Concerts. This was a new house concert series for me and I messaged the hostess, Ada, to reserve a seat.<\/p>\nThe cozy home of Ada and Erik is on the near Southwest side of town and is a pretty easy trip from anywhere near the loop. The hosts have setup their living room for 30 to 40 guests and a scrumptious buffet was available for guests. I had already eaten and will know better than to do that next time I visit. Ada and Erik are most gracious hosts and I felt very welcome.<\/p>\n
As show time approached, Matt pushed the chair back to the wall so that he could perform this evening, while standing. Matt, if you have never heard him is an extremely prolific songwriter with a unique perspective of the world that he expresses freely in his lyrics. His rhyming patterns, timing, and choice of words are certain to bring a smile. He is a laid back master of tone and rhythm.<\/p>\n
Matt started with the title track of \u201cAccidental Thief\u201d, gently rocking his guitar across his midsection to get different tones from it. He followed up with \u201cI Will Do the Breathing\u201d from the same disc. He shared a few new and\/or unrecorded songs like \u201cWe Love You John Elliott\u201d which came with a complete story explaining the origin of the song. Those are the moments that make a house concert special, as the artist is up close and personal in a way that just isn\u2019t possible from up on a stage with lights in his eyes.<\/p>\n
The last project that Matt finished was a series of six 45 RPM 2 song records, (which are also available compiled on a cd called \u201cThe Doubles\u201d) and he shared one of those compositions, \u201cNever Had a Gun\u201d. Then came an oldie but a goodie, \u201cValedictorian\u201d about a graduation speech made in the nude. Then came \u201cI\u2019ve Got Your Back\u201d featuring some of Matt\u2019s signature whistling. He finished off the first set with \u201cCollege\u201d about how he never finished and doesn\u2019t miss the degree.<\/p>\n
The second set featured another new song early called \u201cI Keep My Angels Chasing After Me\u201d followed by his song of growing used to being grown up called, \u201cChange the Subject\u201d. Next was one of his most beautiful examples of his mastery of tone, \u201cIn Osaka In the Rain\u201d. Matt then performed a trio of songs from the 45\u2019s, \u201cFamily of Stars\u201d, \u201cThe Bear\u201d and \u201cCalifornia\u201d. The show closed out with Matt performing his letter to Walmart, \u201cFor Angela\u201d and an encore of Michael Penn\u2019s 1990\u2019s hit, \u201cNo Myth\u201d.<\/p>\n
Well I felt quite satisfied that I had gotten my MtE fix and a fine show in a fine location. Ada and Erik have quite a schedule coming up for 2018 with someone playing almost every month. Next to perform will be Susan Gibson, coming up March 17th<\/sup>. If you are interested check out the Burlinghall House Concerts page on Facebook. You are certain to have a warm welcome for a cozy show.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Written by James Killen It has been way too long since I last caught Matt (Sever) the Electrician. I picked up from Facebook that he would be performing in town at Burlinghall House Concerts. This was a new house concert series for me and I messaged the hostess, Ada, to reserve a seat. The cozy… <\/p>\n