Matt Backer – Backernalia

Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matt Backer is an immensely talented individual who has worked with everybody from Julian Lennon to ABC amongst others. Backer has released a new solo album entitled ‘Backernalia’ and he was kind enough to send a copy to us at JLTT.

Opener ‘TMI’  (abbreviation for Too Much Information) features a groovy electric guitar with a psychedelic tinge as bassist Andy Carr and drummer Jim Kimberly keep the rhythm tight. A blend of swampy blues steel guitar and Hendrixy tones work really well on this number.

‘Hooked On Love’ includes Rob Hughes on horns and arrangements to create a New Orleans-esque vibe. The beguiling soulful vocal of Lily Gonzales reminds this scribe of Joss Stone as the segue into the Steve Miller Band-sounding guitar solo. Fans of Zucchero and (Steve) Miller will dig this.

Tongue-in-cheek Mose Allison tune ‘Middle Class White Boy’ has a real chug complete with two guitar solos; Backer first with James Nisbet flying in. Technically flawless. Then we have the eerie ‘The Devil Washed His Hands of Me’ which is a co-write by Matt Backer and ABC frontman Martin Fry. Matt Backer’s breathy lead vocal is so atmospheric backed by Carr and Randy Morrow’s hypnotic drumbeat. A definite highlight.

Not dissimilar to Tom Petty’s ‘The Last DJ’ in terms of the song’s subject matter, ‘The Last Guitarist’ really hits home given the consequences of the global pandemic for the entertainment industry. ‘Unrequited Love Song’ transports the listener to Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London as Claire Finley’s smooth bass dances with Rob Hughes’ tenor sax solo. The lonesome harmonica from Backer himself adds some sadness to proceedings but it sounds like an unreleased Hall and Oates song. An emotionally charged composition.

Co-written with Phil Taylor, ‘Close Protection’ makes you want to move as Taylor plays bass, piano, Wurlitzer and backing vocals. If you like the upbeat pop from ABC then give this a listen. The sexy ‘The Eyes Have It’ (great title Matt) features the lovely Mari Wilson on vocals and glamour and her soft voice is perfect on this. We have a fascinating interview with Mari Wilson here on the website that you can read and I hope that this song can be performed live at some point.

Paul D’Amato’s bassline on ‘All Kinds Of It’ is crisp alongside drummer Dennis Holt as the cheeky lyrics return to put a smile on your face just like Weird Al Yankovic’s ‘You Don’t Love Me Anymore.’ ‘Secondhand Heart’ by Backer and Zophia Amey hits this journalist right in the feels with Elisa Backer on vocals. Beautifully written IMHO.

‘Life and Soul’ might appeal to fans of British rockers Thunder in terms of the arrangement and material. Susie Webb co-wrote and provided vocals on ‘The Dictator’s Daughter’ with its subtle James Bond references on the guitar and it would be perfect as a theme to a romantic comedy film.

‘Mystic Rulers’ is in pure Free territory and makes me think of a friend of JLTT the late Andy Fraser who would say “I can find the groove” and they have certainly achieved that on here.

Closer ‘I Wish You Would’ hears Matt Backer joined by vocalist Sarah Jane Morris for a percussive finale as he plays a Teye guitar through a Matchless amplifier. Morris has this powerhouse vocal that is the perfect match to Backer’s dulcet tones. Absolutely superb.

In conclusion, Matt Backer is such a musically versatile individual that he can write songs that make you smile, reflect and even cry and deliver them in a way that allows the listener to join him on the journey which is no easy feat. ‘Backernalia’ is a truly special album that is perfect for the world we are living in right now. I just hope that Backer gets the opportunity to perform these songs live.

Matt Backer’s new album ‘Backernalia’ is out now on Right Recordings. You can purchase the album here: For more information visit www.mattbacker.com