Reviews
How often have you been able to sit and listen to a series of instrumental rock tracks, especially guitar rock instrumentals, without feeling that the guitar was the only focus? Matthews has managed to rid his music of the cliches of this genre, and in the end, he has created tracks that stand alone as pieces of art. "Heidelberg" is certainly no exception...I don't expect you to take my word for it. J.C. Mattthews' music is a journey you should have to take to really understand. If you visit one artist's page today, make it this one. You surely won't miss the others. - Jonathan Sanders, Gods Of Music
In fact this track (March To Malibu) is so chock-full of engaging melodic moments that it is difficult to do it justice in a review of this length but suffice to say if you like guitar music suffused with melody then you won't be disappointed. The track also showcases J.C.'s skills as a soloist. There is some fine lead playing in evidence here which is never overstated and doesn't overstay its welcome. - Nigel Cuff, Gods Of Music
If you like guitar pyrotechnics, you’ll like 400 Meters. The influence of Di Meola, Satriani, and their ilk is obvious, but J.C. Mathews isn’t just a clone...When the time comes for fast runs, they are not gratuitous but musically logical, and man does he ever dish out the riffs. The groove is infectious; when the energy backs off for a transition, the groove coasts on its momentum and the listener eagerly anticipates the next hill on the roller coaster. - Sean Holland, Gods Of Music
The dual guitar leads in this
piece weave together seamlessly to create a full, smooth sound. The contrast
between the distant sounding opening guitar and the melodic rock lead that
overlays it is reminiscent of some of the strictly instrumental portions of the
movie version of ‘Jesus Christ, Superstar’. Creating interesting rock guitar
melodies that come across as clean and unstrained, or that do not overly tax
your ear can be difficult to accomplish. J.C. manages to deliver an interesting,
constantly evolving melody. - Bill
Wright, Gods Of Music
Read more reviews of J.C. at Gods of Music.com.
"Instrumental guitar rock sometimes means overloud screeching Van Halen licks over typical blues backing. So it is with great pleasure that I am listening to the artist page of our own JC Mathews from Georgia. He's a great player, and he plays with a lot of taste, skill, restraint, and heart. The songs are excellent! This is really good stuff....I hope you can check his music out!" - Dino Romanelli
"Just when you thought the guitar was going out of fashion, along comes J.C. Mathews! Hailed by many as the new Carlos Santana, J.C. certainly knows how to make his axe sing. I chose this tune (Heidelberg), the title track of his debut CD, for a reason. Close your eyes and you'll be seriously convinced that you are listening to Richie Blackmore! I haven't heard such superb guitar work like this in years. A definite contender for stardom in the very near future" - Mikey J, GetMeMusic.com
"Beautiful instrumental latin jazzrock with Santana-style guitars [Los Alamos]. Well recorded, well arranged, tightly played. This man is an absolutely impressive soloist who has really learned the modes an can play the changes - JohnD of JOH
"Santana meets Al Di Meola, rich axe work, solid riffs! Recommended!" - Jazz Prog Fusion Rock, March 17, 2002
"I felt some Yngwie, Steve Morse, Eric Johnson, Johnny Winter, and Last But Not Least Ritchie Blackmore. And the coolest thing about the whole gig is that it honestly sounded like each of these artists trying to do a tribute to one of the others! I happen to love tasty instrumental guitar music, and J.C. delivers. Very nicely done. I would buy the CD." - Billy Shaw
"Is this the new Carlos Santana? Check it out!" - Guitar Music, Feb. 26, 2002