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суббота, 5 апреля 2025 г.

Catfish - Time To Fly

Bitrate:320K/s
Year:2025
Time:54:12 
Size:124,7 MB 
Label:Self-Released 
Styles:Blues/Rock/Blues Rock 
Art:Front 

Tracks Listing:
 1. Time To Fly -  5:47
 2. Change My Ways -  4:43
 3. Don't Turn Around -  7:45
 4. Sick Of It All -  6:29
 5. Forevermore And Again -  3:24
 6. Lost In Autumn -  4:23
 7. Breaking Up Somebody's Home -  6:23
 8. Broken Halo -  4:51
 9. Say The Word - 10:24

R.I.P. Matt Long
The blues community has lost one of its brightest lights with the passing of Catfish's charismatic frontman, Matt Long. Known for his electrifying guitar work, soulful vocals, and a stage presence that could fill any room, Matt passed away on 06/10/24 at the age of 29, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished for years to come.
Matt Long’s journey through the blues was one of authenticity and passion. Growing up in Dorking, Surrey, Matt found his calling in the classic records of the blues greats, but it was his unique, modern interpretation that made him a standout voice in today’s scene. As the frontman of Catfish, Matt delivered performances that were powerful, heartfelt, and always true to the blues tradition, yet with a fresh energy that appealed to audiences of all generations.
Whether tearing through a searing guitar solo or delivering a poignant, stripped-back ballad, Matt had an uncanny ability to make each note resonate. His music was more than just sound; it was storytelling at its finest, capturing the highs, lows, and everything in between. His performances were marked by an honesty that drew listeners in, making them feel each chord as deeply as he did.
Those who knew Matt will remember him not just as a musician but as a friend, a mentor, and a genuinely good soul. He was known for his generosity on and off the stage, always willing to lend an ear, offer advice, or just share a laugh. He inspired countless young musicians to pick up their guitars and share their voices, always encouraging them to keep the spirit of the blues alive.
The blues world feels a little emptier without him, but his music, his energy, and the indelible mark he left on the scene will continue to inspire and uplift. As we remember Matt Long, we are reminded of the power of music to bring people together, to heal, and to tell the stories that define us.
In his own words, Matt once said, “The blues is about living life – the good and the bad – and making something beautiful out of it.” He did just that, every time he stepped on stage. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, the performances that moved us, and the music that he left behind.  Rest easy, Matt. Your blues will play on forever ~ Blues Matters Magazine
"It is with some hesitancy that I begin a review with sad news, but it is nearly impossible to begin without relaying the sorrowful message of the passing of one of the key members of Catfish. Matt Long, lead singer and guitarist, passed away at age 29 in November of 2024 after a battle with cancer; while working on the band’s new album, Time To Fly. Remaining members, Paul Long (Matt Long’s father, and keyboardist/vocalist in the band), Adam Pyke (bass), and Phil Wilson (drums), made the decision to carry on in the completion of the new project. This is the 4th studio album (and they also have one live recording) released by the multi-award winning band, formed in 2014 and based in the South of England. Influenced by the likes of B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Matt Long once said this about blues music. “The blues is about living life, the good and the bad, and making something beautiful out of it”. I believe that the remaining members of Catfish were determined to make something beautiful out of this new recording. The band says that Time To Fly is comprised one half of the music that they were working on in the studio when Matt Long passed away and the other half is from recordings discovered after Matt’s death. It contains two demo songs discovered after his passing and two songs that were recorded live, where Matt Long’s vocals were removed and used on the studio cuts.
Time To Fly, a nine track recording, opens with the title cut “Time To Fly”. “You are so much more than you thought you were. Open your eyes. It’s your time to fly.” It’s a great piece to kick off this farewell, of sorts. There’s some really nice guitar work in this song that really implores you to dig further to see what Catfish will be offering up next. You don’t have to wait very long to find out, because the very next track, “Change My Ways” keeps that momentum flowing. This is a real “rocker” that features more of Matt Long’s superb guitar soloing, accompanied by the great work of the other Catfish band members. “Angel and devil on my shoulders; trying to take control. One trying to lead me right; one trying to lead me wrong. I’ve got to change my ways.” The recording takes a slight turn with the next tune, “Don’t Turn Around”; a well done Paul Long tune that leans slightly toward being a ballad. Soft and soothing at the beginning, with some really well done background vocal work, and tasteful guitar; the song picks up some intensity before easing back into the groove that makes this such an engaging piece. Track eight of Time To Fly is an admirable cover of the Al Jackson and Timothy Matthews traditional blues number, “Breaking Up Somebody’s Home”; made famous by Albert King. Anyone familiar with this renowned blues standard, will appreciate Catfish’s excellent take on it.
All in all, Time To Fly is a fitting tribute and farewell to Matt Long, as well as a respectful way for Catfish, as a band, to draw to a close a great run of successes and accomplishments. If this is the last that we hear from the band, it is a proper goodbye. Only time will reveal to us the future of the remaining members, but here, we can wish them well and properly extend our thanks for the significant music contribution that they’ve given to us"(https://bluesrockreview.com/2025/03/catfish-time-to-fly-review.html).

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