GEMINI – ‘MATT THE RUMBLE’ MORRISON

Delivering on the ethos that musicians should be ‘masters of the songwriting craft and dynamite live performers,’ it is hard to believe Matt ‘The Rumble’ Morrison’s album Gemini  is not a live recording. Equally as comfortable on guitar as drums, Morrison has gigged since he was a teenager, harbouring a passion for roots and soul music and the electricity of live performance. Featuring long instrumental sections throughout the various blues sub-genres, Gemini is a versatile collection of the sounds of BB King, Booker T and the MGs, Al Green and Elvis Costello, moving from a slinking smooth groove to funky surf guitar without missing a beat. Sounding like an unreleased Otis Redding song, opening track That’s How It Is is a prelude to the following jive of Polarised, surf guitar of C’mon Move On and slow Hawaii blues Space Walk. Only four tracks include vocals (Snooks La Vie) emphasising Morrison’s use of voice as an equal member of the ensemble. With sumptuous guitar solos from Morrison and a generous serving of hammond organ (Clayton Doley), Gemini drips in irresistible vintage soul and blues. Complete with La Vie, Doley and a horn section, Gemini launched at Notes in Newtown Sunday the 10th of June.

4/5