Matthew Whitaker (ex-Whiskycats) May 16, 2013

Originally trained as a classical guitarist, Matthew Whitaker‘s lasting love affair with song writing lead him to spend six years as singer/guitarist/songwriter with cult Manchester party band Whiskycats. After the group disbanded in early 2010, he started work on a new solo project. Returning to his classical guitar roots while taking influences from early 1970s British folk and the quiet vocal style of singers like Chet Baker, he developed a crop of new songs that reflected the inevitable comedown from the riotous Whiskycats era with a new, more serious musical direction.

In late 2010 Matthew recorded a limited edition acoustic album of these songs called The Man With the Anvil Hat, which was regarded by the Manchester Evening News as ‘standout Manchester music debut of 2010‘.

In 2011 he added a full band to his set-up that included ex-Whiskycats drummer Sam Draper; long-time collaborator and guitar virtuoso Jim Wallace; and double bass mystic Grant Russell (Go Go Penguin). Armed with these new arrangements and under the expert guidance of producer Jim Spencer (Charlatans, New Order, Whiskycats), Matthew and his band have been working on their first full studio album together to be released in 2013.

Takk is a new Icelandic-inspired coffee house on the edge of the Northern Quarter. Hot, cold and alcoholic refreshments will be available.

Official Website: http://crd.fm/2Wa