Jon matthews music

Dear Reader (and Jon Matthews Music Fans), Have you ever been told not to worry about what other people think? It’s sound advice — if only it were that easy to follow! I wish I could say I always live by that principle. But, like many of us, I don’t particularly want to hear other people’s bad opinions of me. I remember once, while playing guitar at a local venue, someone commented that I was a terrible guitarist and couldn’t play a decent lick if I tried. That was hurtful. But perhaps they caught me on an off night — maybe they were expecting a different style of music than what we were playing. And anyway, isn’t everyone allowed a rough performance or two while they’re finding their feet?

Well, I may never be an Eric Clapton or a Jimi Hendrix, but they’re not my role models. My inspiration comes from Django Reinhardt — a man whose name was as revered in the United States as it was in his native France. His instrumental style was one of the most influential of his era. Born of gypsy heritage in a caravan on the Franco-Belgian border, Django’s family later settled in Paris. At nine years old, he was given a guitar by his mother and took to it, as they say, “like a duck to water.” Studying jazz records, he began performing in the cafés and nightclubs of Paris, building a reputation — until an accident left him bedridden for eighteen months and with the use of only two fingers on his left hand. Undeterred, Django reinvented his technique and became a supreme guitar virtuoso.

Django Reinhardt's story should encourage any aspiring musician: to think that we already have an advantage over Django, having all our fingers and thumbs intact! His determination and commitment are reminders to all of us that criticism and setbacks can be overcome.

We may not all be musical prodigies, but modern musicians have one thing Django never had — today’s highly specialised recording technology. Using just such tools, I’m proud to present my new album, Tidal Wave. And remember — whatever criticisms or apparent disadvantages life throws our way, we can still be grateful for the freedom to pursue our goals.

Let’s take satisfaction in “cocking a snook” at life’s tidal waves of hindrance, turning them into nothing more than ripples of no account.