Rostrevor’s Matt Benson – announces show in Little Whelan’s Dublin in April

Matt Benson released his first solo single ‘Sit Back Down Again’ on 7^th March, with his solo debut album coming later in the Summer. The lyrics of the song paint a beautiful picture inspired by the life, and the tragic early death of Matt’s sister Catherine AKA ‘Kathy’.Matt explains, ‘On the surface, the song is about someone you love leaving to chase a dream or go on an adventure. It’s about knowing that person has to go and wishing them well, but at the same time wanting them to just sit back down again and stay a little longer. And on a deeper level it’s about my sister leaving me and me wishing she could have stayed longer before she passed away.’

Matt Benson has had a long and illustrious career playing trombone as a sideman since his first professional gig in 2010. He’s been in George Ezra’s band since 2017, and played with Bad Manners, The Pogues, Neil Hannon, Hot 8 Brass Band and Brian May amongst many others. He has played at Glastonbury, WOMAD, The Tonight Show, Jools Holland’s Hootenanny, The Royal Albert Hall, and The Brit Awards. Quincy Jones has called him ‘a great trombone player’ and Paul Sanchez (composer for HBO series Treme) has said ‘this guy can play his ass off’!

Matt’s career on trombone started in a strange and serendipitous way. In his own words: ‘My dad’s music shop was blown up during the Troubles in Belfast around 1994. No one was hurt, but the shop was completely trashed, all except for a little student model trombone that was found under a pile of smoking rubble on the top floor. It was still in working order, and between you and me I think the fire gave it something a bit special. My Da brought it home for me and we spent that evening cleaning it up in the kitchen sink. He taught me how to play “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in C major that night.’ And out of the ashes, a musician was born.

Now Matt has moved from the side of the stage to front and centre with his debut single, showcasing his vocals and tremendous songwriting ability. With a distinctly Tom Waits feel, it’s clear that Benson has a lyrical gift and ‘Sit Back Down Again’ heralds the start of what is sure to be a successful career.

See Matt live;

Sat 12 April         The Social, Donegal. Supporting JC Stewart                               Doors 8pm / Tickets €19.78

Wed. 30 April     Little Whelan’s, Dublin                                                                         Doors 8.30pm / Tickets €12

Sun 1 June           The American Bar, Belfast                                                             Show 2-5pm / SOLD OUT

Sun 6 July            The American Bar, Belfast                                                             Show 2-5pm / Tickets £12.50