M. Ward

M. Ward ( born 1974 in Ventura County, California; actually Matt Ward) is in American guitarist and singer- songwriter who lives in Portland, Oregon. His music is attributed to the genre of alternative country.

Music

M. Ward sees itself primarily as a guitarist. His voice is for him only a " companion " to the guitar dar. On his albums are heard often purely instrumental pieces. In this transistor radio are among others Interpretations of such diverse pieces as You Still Believe in Me ( Beach Boys) or the Well-Tempered Clavier JS Bach. The Folk Songs Wards are influenced by styles such as blues, rock and jazz, which represents the variety of musical examples of the artist. Quite intends is the lo-fi sound of his albums, which can give the impression that Ward's music was already several decades old.

History

First, M. Ward belonged to the three-headed Californian band Rodriguez, which released one album, which was produced by Grandaddy singer Jason Lytle. After the dissolution of Rodriguez Ward began his solo career, aided by Howe Gelb of Giant Sand. Yellow was inspired by a demo tape M. Ward and enabled him in 2000 the release of his debut Duet for Guitars # 2 on his Ow Om label. This album was favored by the popularity of yellows, already well received in Europe. In Europe also appeared EP Scene from # 12

His second album, End of Amnesia, a concept album with the theme of memories and dreams, inspired, inter alia, by David Lynch's films, appeared the following year, however, as his predecessor had only moderate success with the public. A significant increase in its popularity, it meant for Ward to perform the opening act at the Tour of Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes).

In April 2003, Ward's third album, Transfiguration of Vincent was released by Merge Records and for the first time on a slightly larger label ( in Europe at Matador ). Particular attention was given hardly wiederzuerkennende cover version of David Bowie's hit Let's Dance.

In the aftermath Ward were many live performances, in addition to his solo concerts, he was on tour with Bright Eyes, the English songwriter Beth Orton and the band My Morning Jacket. He also worked on his next album, transistor radio, which was released in early 2005 and is a homage to the early days of radio. For this album contributed many artist friends like Vic Chesnutt, Howe Gelb and band members of Rilo Kiley and PJ Harvey in as guests.

In 2007, he joined in several cities (including in Germany ) as support for Norah Jones on.

His latest project is a collaboration with actress Zooey Deschanel. Under the name She & Him released their album Volume One and in April 2010 the album Volume Two in March 2008. In May 2013 Volume 3 appeared

Discography

  • Duet for Guitars # 2 ( 2000)
  • Scene from # 12 ep (EP, 2000)
  • End of Amnesia (2001)
  • Transfiguration of Vincent ( 2003)
  • Transistor radio (2005)
  • Post-War (2006)
  • Hold Time (2009)
  • A Wasteland Companion (2012 )
537025
de