Matthew Moon @ Toad Tavern Show Review

Opening act Matt Nasi took the stage with a warm presence, a really nice Taylor acoustic and apparently a drummer that is not usually with him (good thing too cause he looked like he wanted to be elsewhere).  Matt had my attention by the second song — he has good chops for sure.  But I kept wondering where the bass and drive and punch were, like the songs were missing something.  “Just Desserts” was the highlight for me.  It moved and grooved with some pretty nice chord changes and vocals to boot.

Matt has a really good voice and unfortunately it came out in a cover of Jack Johnson’s……. wait…. I mean Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours”.  Matt can sing for sure but it is always easier to belt out a song that is already a hit, than it is to belt out something you don’t know if people are going to like.  Not that covers are a bad thing at all. Matt is a talented player, singer and writer for sure.  I think we will all be hearing a lot more from this 25 year old Colorado native in the future. He is only going to keep getting better.  Show some support Denver and give Matt a listen. www.myspace.com/mattnasi or look him up on Facebook.

After a short break The Melanie Susuras Band took the stage. Melanie hit the Local scene here in 1999 with her first cd titled Barefoot Again. The now seasoned venue veteran has played all the good spots around town including Red Rocks. She has graced the stages with the likes of Sarah McLachlan, Tab Benoit, Sheryl Crow and The Dixie Chicks.  Last night she didn’t complain at all about being between a Matt sandwich (her words not mine)!  To me it was The Freddy Jones Band meets Jewel. Her drummer is excellent. He looks like he needs to be behind a 40 piece Neal Pert set to be sufficiently occupied. The man can PLAY! With solid grooves and tightness that can only come from years of experience, they really command the stage well.  The dance floor was still empty… what’s up with that Denver?  I am wondering why Melanie is gracing the stages with and staying in between Matt sandwiches. Is it the now debunked music industry or is it that they are happy right here in Colorado doing what they love? I thought it was a solid set for sure. You can keep up with  The Melanie Susuras Band and purchase all three of their cd’s here.

Another break down and set up and here we are at the headliner! I thought this review might be biased based on the fact that the stage was being occupied by an old junior high and high school friend of mine Chevy Martinez. No bias needed. Matthew Moon showed why he is a headliner.  From the raccoon tail coming out of the back of his guitar, to the totally relaxed and confident presence on the stage, he had me charged by the second song “More than I can Give”  and they just pounded right in to  the very funky “Morning Loon”.  With Matthew being backed by the likes of Chevy Martinez  (The Psychodelic Zombiez) on bass, Scott Kusmirek (The Gin Blossoms) on drums and Chris Haugen on lead guitar it was a no brainer why Moon’s performance  is top notch. One of the few bands out there today that has their own sound.  If you like it a little country “Drugstore Magazine” or just downright funky “280z”  then this is the band for you. He even popped in a cover of the great Psychodelic Zombiez tune “Sleeping Bag” and The Doobies “Long Train Running” and they did it all with ease.  It was great to see an old friend and enjoy an evening with some really talented musicians.

Matthew Moon will be at the The Firemans Ball on 3/7 at the Sherman St. Event Center.