Comet

Matthew Hart is a Los Angeles based singer/songwriter whose Texan roots were only partially corrupted by a few years in New York City. Balancing simple acoustic guitar and mandolin themes, sophisticated melodies, and a silky voice spewing sardonically wry lyrical gumbo, Matthew could best be described as Lyle Lovett meets Squeeze, or Elliot Smith meets Buddy Holly, or maybe Neil Finn meets the Gypsy Kings. Whatever the mix, the truth is that Matthew Hart is creating original music, carrying on the long Texas tradition of singer/songwriter/anesthesiologists. Born in Big D while Tom Landry was still coach, Matthew's folkie pedigree began in the sixth grade under the guise of his original guitar teacher, Robin Macy, cofounder of the Dixie Chicks, the Domestic Science Club, and Big Twang. He then teamed up with his high school buddy, Rhett Miller, current frontman for the Old 97s, playing many a Deep Ellum show before graduating from St. Mark's School of Texas (former students including Steve Miller and Boz Scaggs; oh yeah, and Lisa Loeb went to the sister school). While at UT Austin, Matthew led the popular folk/rock act Those Who Dig, rated a leading Austin act by the Austin Chronicle. Cut from the XTC and Crowded House cloth, TWD developed a large following while touring the Southeast and playing 6th Street with many local bands including David Garza. Co-members Rod Sherwood and Kit Pongetti have gone on to play in the newly emerging Los Angeles band, Sumack. At Columbia University, Matthew continued to evolve and write material while becoming a doctor. Fortunately, though, he married a lovely Californian who told him about life out West, and during his residency he coughed up his long awaited three song EP, 'Learning To Breathe' in 1999. Matt's first full length solo effort, 'Comet,' released in Spring 2001, demonstrates Matt's wide appeal to lovers of contemporary popular folk, bluegrass, and international sounds. Co-produced with Rod Sherwood, and featuring members of Those Who Dig, 'Comet' is both a culmination and a beginning. He's not quitting his day job yet, but keep your eyes open for a show near you. Order 'Comet' today.