That's M. Ward to you, buddy.

Matt Ward, of Portland, Oregan (Stage name M. Ward) recently opened for the White Stripes, and his music so intrigued me that I had to write about him. I had to! I must!

Matt Ward is the illegitimate love child of Johnny Cash and Les Claypool. An under-the-radar combination of Duane Eddy and the Presidents of the United States of America.
M. Ward's songs would commonly start with a rolling guitar riff (which he showed considerable proficiency in getting through) and would hit an uncommon stride of old-school trucker rock mixed with unexpected and blaring chord changes which keeps the ears on edge.
When M. Ward would lean into the microphone to sing, what came out was a low mumbling which reminds one of Brad Roberts whispering not-so-sweet nothings into the ear of a dump truck.

M. Ward's back-up band for the evening kept pace, but was definitely just observing the show alongside the audience. I am curious as to whether or not this was Ward's usual ensemble he performed with, because his music is never talked about in a group sense. Matt Ward shares the spotlight with no one. At least right now. And for right now, he should be happy to tour on a leg of the White Stripe's national tour, because I think he'll find a lot of similarly atuned fans in the audience that are ready to hear his music.

T.