Matthew Herbert
Matthew Herbert is someone who should have sparked your interest by now if you are any bit into quality music, left of the centre but with Soul. You might have heard him as Herbert, with his big band or as a producer for Roisin Murphy to name the most obvious ones. But he’s much more than that. Digging deeper into that could fill an entire blog in itself so I’m not going to do it. Just going to point out you a few doors to his world.
As a producer, sampling wizard, label boss and so much more he’s somebody who pushes limits. He’s avant-garde, if you wish, but not in the artsy meaningless way. He’s an innovator. One of the kind that makes you wonder why you haven’t done the things he does yourself. One who opens doors and possibilities for you and others. A genius although that word is used so many times it doesn’t do him enough honour anymore. But Matthew Herbert is more than about making edgy but beautiful music. He’s an artist with a strong opinion. Something rare these days. Read about it on his site.
But the reason to serve you this on a Friday afternoon when you’re getting ready to start the weekend is “ The Story”. A new song by the Matthew Herbert Big Band currently being plugged by the better radio hosts worldwide. With Eska on vocals (everything she sings on is gold lately). Bloody good song, with a message and simply sounding brilliant. One of my favourite songs of the year. And there have been a few already to claim that title. This song announces his new album called ‘There’s Me And There’s You’ out at the end of October on K7! / Accidental. Check it out. And check out the album’s mini site with a free demo edit mp3 of “The Story”.
A selected Matthew Herbert discography:
Herbert – Bodily Functions (!K7)
Herbert – Around The House (Phonography / !K7)
Roisin Murphy – Ruby Blue (Echo)
Dani Siciliano – Likes … (!K7)
Doctor Rockit – Indoor Fireworks (Lifelike)
Matthew Herbert Big Band – Goodbye Swingtime (Accidental)
Some personal favourites:
Doctor Rockit – Café De Flor (Lifelike)
Herbert – The Audience (!K7)
Matthew Herbert Big Band feat. Eska – The Show (Accidental)
Cassio Ware – Fantasy / Herbert’s Reality Dub (Playhouse)
Moloko – Sing It Back / Herbert’s Tasteful (F-111)
Recloose – Can’t Take It / Herbert’s Some Dumb Dub (Planet E)
If you want to know more there’s always Discogs off course.





