One For The Ride
Ruf, 2026
9/10
The veteran singer-songwriter Matthew Curry pens an album about life on the road, where energetic and soft tracks are part of his diverse and timeless formula.
The lively “Rum Stumblin’” opens with Curry’s driving guitar and smooth voice that suits Francis Valentino’s animated drums, and “Born Behind The Wheel” follows with Rob Arthur’s well timed Hammond organ that suits the grooves and melody.
The middle track belongs to “Ballad Of Jesse Ed Davis”, which thumps with soulful singing and Mark Masefield’s strategic Rhodes piano, while “Don’t Be A Stranger” finds an intimate place to reside via Tim Brickner’s meticulous bass and Curry’s heartfelt guitar and vocals.
Close to the end, “Brand New Day” recruits Grace Quackenboss’ piano and Masefield’s accordion for the lush album highlight, and “The Rambling Kind” exits with a gentle spirit that’s warm and authentic.
Curry blends busy and bare moments, and it makes for an emotionally rich, gritty and sincere body of work that pulls from the best parts of blues, rock, southern rock and old-school country.
Travels well with: Davey Jones- Ball Cap Blues; James ‘JB’ Barnes- My Mississippi Roots