The career of a music writer certainly does have its perks. While it very often lacks in financial reward, it occasionally compensates with rewards of a more soul-satisfying sort. Last week was a perfectly good example. Over the course of three nights, I was able to see two of America’s most outstanding and individualistic musicians, in settings as disparate as a small rock n’ roll bar in Asbury Park, and a prestigious concert hall in Boston.

It began on Wednesday night when I took the familiar ride to Asbury Park to see singer/songwriter, and occasional Popdose contributor Matthew Ryan for the first time. If you think that Matt is just a guy who occasionally contributes to our esteemed journal, think again. He is one of the most respected songwriters in America, and each or his ten or so albums has been highly acclaimed. If you would like to familiarize yourself with his music, please check out the Popdose Guide to Matthew Ryan.

The Saint is the kind of bar that is vanishing all too quickly from the landscape, one of the last holdouts against the corporate takeover of live venues in Asbury Park, and NJ for that matter. It’s a pure rock dive that has been a stop for some of the most acclaimed bands in the world at some point in their careers. If there are 100 people in the house, the place is jam packed. Stickers and graffiti cover nearly ever inch of wall space. The sound system is superb, the beer is reasonably priced, the crowd is local and friendly. In other words, a club you can love.

I went to see Matt as a fan, not as a journalist, so I didn’t take any notes, or write down his setlist. What I can tell you is that he gave a wonderfully warm, intimate performance accompanied only by a talented violinist and keyboard player named Molly. I just knew it was going to be a special night when, after his first song (“Dulce Et Decorum Est” from his most recent album, Matthew Ryan vs. the Silver State), he took his vocal mic from the stage and placed it on the audience level, where it, and he, remained throughout the set. The rest of Matt’s performance featured songs from his new album, including “American Dirt,” and “It Could’ve Been Worse,” plus songs from nearly every era of his long career. At the end of the night, when it was time to field requests from a crowd that was obviously familiar with his work, Matt unplugged completely and performed the requested song standing next to the person who had asked for it, seeming to sing it just for them. (more…)