This night was Harlan’s CD release gig for his third album, Raven Hotel, where he handed out a copy of the CD included in advance admission price.  Cool deal.

MH had a full band in tow and that was special because it rarely happens these days. Will Van Horn did double duties excellently on pedal steel and electric guitar, Matt Johnson who we knew from his stellar days with Mike Stinson’s band on drums and big ole cowboy Buffalo Rogers from Oklahoma City tore it up on mandolin. Sweet wife Rachel Jones lended harmonizing and lead vocals which compliment Matt most well. She has matured big time on stage and especially on newbies “Riding with the Wind” and “Slow Moving Train” adds a splash of confident life to Harlan’s lyrics.

Speaking of which, where MH’s talent lies is being able to capture and express right on point ideas of the every day person’s thinking.  His delivery is very “hearable” if you will and makes one think about life after listening to his strong sentiments.

Harlan recently had a very successful run thru the Netherlands and his album has hit #1 in Europe! (www.euroamericanachart.eu).  He played the entire CD and other stand out tunes were title cut about a run down hotel in Nashville, a jammin’ amped up “Rock & Roll” and a jazzy lovey dovey out of nowhere (per Matt) infomercial called “Burgundy and Blue”.

You could tell Harlan was deeply touched by all the love being bestowed on him from the packed house often spouting “Mattisms” (per Rachel) like “Thanks y’all MAN!”

Special guests were in the house like Brad Boyer who joined him for “Bow and Be Simple” and Corey Power and Nick Morales for “Elizabethtown”.   One of our faves that was the first song they ever performed as a duet, “Too Much Goin’ On”, hits the nail on the head about today’s rush rush society we live in.

It is a rare occurrence indeed to be entertained and have thought-provoking ideals thrust upon you from such a kind hearted gent like Matt Harlan.  The guy deserves your attention and make sure you tell him I sent ya by………Peace and cya around live music “somewhere”.