Matt Goldberg

The opening sermon comes from Matt Goldberg, who today is reading from the book of Reggae, played on a ukaleli. Matt and his MG Band play all over town and it was a right nice bonus to get to see him do some solo stuff cos since I (try to) write about what’s going on in Harrogate it seems appropriate that I should know how good one of the main players is on the live scene. Matt is effortlessly good. He’s like your mate picking up an acoustic guitar at a BBQ, only instead of killing the mood by singing another song about a girl who doesn’t like him, Matt compliments the atmosphere; whilst I have no idea what his songs are about (this is something I generally suffer from, seriously I thought “Wonderwall” was about a really good builder) I FEEL like I can relate to them. Quite how a bloke with a ukaleli doing reggae type tunes speaks to my middle class white bwoy rootz is beyond me but don’t question it, worship for the day has begun.

The last time I saw Matt Goldberg he was doing an early solo support slot. He played a no-nonsense set, cracked a few jokes and later, uke-case in hand, with collar turned up; walked into the night, his walk purposeful. Tonight at Christie’s, Matt Goldberg has a band. Now, there are seven purposeful musicians, this time looking at the expectant Christie’s crowd. Out to promote a five-song EP of self and band-penned songs, Matt Goldberg has certainly been busy! There’s a triumphant air to the group – and so they should be. The night was to be split into two sets, their own material and, I hate to say, covers of other artists. Of course, all the songs were given the MG band treatment – Reggae and ting! Featuring drums, sax, trombone, keyboards, lead guitar, all driven by the fantastic bass from the inimitable Pete Oliver. Of course, let’s not forget MG’s electric ukulele. An opening faux-pas as MG sang “Rat-Race” while the band was playing “Love Will Tear Us Apart”. A few bewildered looks and next Matt’s waving his arms frantically: “Start again!” not before he quipped “I’ve been living in a rat-race all week!” He recovered with a few self-inflicted slaps around the face; the Christie’s crowd moved closer. It was not long before there was some serious skanking (Reggae dance) taking place – the MG band stepped up a gear into a more Ska Two-Tone arena. I defy anyone not to relax those tense muscles – this music just couldn’t fail to move you! I was particularly impressed when Matt said: “This is one of mine!” and proceeded to sing “Jammin”. It was during this number the band visibly gelled. Play resumed after a couple of ‘strengtheners’ during a self-enforced interval. Set two saw that word had spread as a notably bigger audience had gathered, all very knowledgeable as to what was about to unfurl. Matt Goldberg moved into what he called “The workout” section of the gig – he was no mean mover himself! The Christie’s crowd responded in kind! The EP roster of songs came and went; there were tales of Harrogate, hilarious lyrics and alleyways. The whistling refrain of “I’m a gangster” impressed; Matt exclaimed “Whistle if you know the words!” The night ended with the MG band’s very own theme tune entitled “Reggie Brown”. A mass sing-a-long of the crowd ensued, its chorus being “Nuts! He’s hazelnuts!” This extended version was magnificent and, quite frankly, no one wanted it to end.