Welcome to Smithpickins.com, information central for contemporary Canadian Roots Songwriter, Singer and Multi-Instrumentalist Matt Smith. Matt has now released a second album of his unique brand of Canadian Roots music. In this prolific songwriter and instrumentalist's sophomore recording, one finds 14 new gems.
Matt's vocal stylings always cut to the core of the lyric with sincerity and purity of tone. His acoustic and electric slide guitar work as well as his mandolin playing are inarguably world class. His adeptness in a variety of acoustic guitar styles in addition to his abilities in fingerstyle and flatpicked guitar are that of a dedicated and intuitive musician and the list goes on to include 5-string banjo as well as a traditional Greek instrument called the Baglamas.
Whether it's as a single entertainer on acoustic guitar, National steel guitar, mandolin and harmonica or, as a sideman for some of Canada's foremost entertainers, Matt Smith is an open channel for World Roots music. In 2006 to 2007, Matt was featured on mandolin and slide guitars with world music group Galitcha on their second recording,"Blé d'Inde Celebration", and as part of their live show.
From 2004 to 2005, he played mandolin and guitar as a sideman for Harry Manx, headlining many major Canadian Folk and Blues festivals and concert venues. Matt has also had the pleasure of sharing stages with many other Roots musicians including Morgan Davis, Ken Whitely, Ian Tamblyn, Downchild Bluesband, David Francey, Dave Gunning, Ken Hamm, Suzie Vinnick, Fred Eaglesmith, Ives Lambert and Jason McCoy. He has taken his single act to open shows for Tower of Power, The Blind Boys of Alabama and Eric Burden and the Animals.
With a natural, friendly and laid back stage presence, audiences get an up close experience of high level musicianship delivered with a genuine "right at home" feel.
Whether you see him as a solo act or as a member of an ensemble, you're sure to hear a large repertoire of original music as well as interpretations and arrangements of a vast number of traditional Blues, Roots and contemporary songs. His sound is buried deep in the Blues while incorporating elements of Rock, Country, Bluegrass, Ragtime, and Various European styles to create a multi-cultural roots sound that is uniquely Canadian and recognizably Matt Smith.