MUSIC

Anderson Fair presents Matt Harlan. (with Jimmy Pizzitola and Jonathon Ross).

If there’s a performer today that embodies the oft-applied and rarely understood moniker of “songwriter’s songwriter” it’s Houston favorite, Matt Harlan. With songs that are already well known in many circles Harlan’s studio work is just beginning to make its mark with his debut studio release, “Tips & Compliments”.

Born and raised in Texas, Harlan soaked up the richness of the state and its song-smiths while bouncing between its big cities and small towns. On his debut, Harlan exposes this range of influences, interpreting a generation steeped in plastic yet filtered through the Hill Country limestone. His expressive vocals recall Chris Smither and Chris Knight, shading his poignant songs with soaring heart and aching grit.??Matt's songwriting has been getting some recognition lately with awards from the Billboard World Songwriting Contest, American Songwriter Magazine, the Wildflower Arts & Music Festival, Snowbird Mountain Music Festival and as a Regional New Folk winner at Kerrville.

Americana fans should be familiar with the stellar crew that joins Harlan on “Tips & Compliments”. Produced by Rich Brotherton, the disc features vocals from Phoebe Hunt (Belleville Outfit), fiddle from Warren Hood, and Marty Muse (Robert Earl Keen) on pedal steel.