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Guitar, Steel Guitar, Vocals, Bass: Everything from Rock to Western Swing
From swing to funk to classical, whether pedal steel, lap steel, bass, acoustic guitar, or electric guitar, Matthew can play it all. He has performed with such artists as Leon Rausch; Pete Huttlinger; Kristyn Harris; Miss Devon and the Outlaw; and Ginny Mac. Matthew has played guitar in the pit (and scaffolding) for the 2012 revision of the musical Godspell, as well as with Verdigris Ensemble for the oratorio Dust Bowl.
He has arranged several pieces that have been performed by both the Tarrant County College NE Guitar Ensemble and the Richland College Guitar Ensemble, including songs by The Beatles, Parliament, Jethro Tull, and Kurt Weill.
Matthew has also appeared as a studio musician on albums including My Mustang, My Martin, and Me by Kristyn Harris, Buckles & Barrels by Rose Hill Band, and There's More by Cory Cross. He can most often be found playing as a core musician in several bands, including Two Bit Swing Band, The Kristyn Harris Band, Dave Washburn Three Quarters Fast Jazz Band, and Cory Cross and the Burden.
Watch Matthew performing the original song "Cats to California" (Matthew Walton, Jan Ryberg) below.
Here's what people are saying about Matthew:
“Matthew is one of the most talented, not to mention multi-talented, musicians that I know. He is a treat to listen to and to play with. The skill he commands over all of his instruments gives him no limits, he can play any style of music with ease. He makes every song sound good!!”
Kristyn Harris
5-time (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022) International Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year7-time (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023) Western Music Association Female Performer of the Year2022 Country Music Association of Texas Cowboy Western Entertainer of the Year2017 Ameripolitan Music Awards Western Swing Female the Year
“You have a great right hand.”
Pete Huttlinger
National Fingerstyle Guitar Champion (2000)Guitarist for John Denver & LeAnn RimesCrossroads Festival Performer"Matthew is one of the most versatile guitarists I have had the pleasure of performing with. He moves easily between fingerpicking a steel string or classical to wailing on his electric or steel guitar. He is incredibly creative in his arranging and improvisations. He is a joy to perform with."
Jan Ryberg
Classical Guitarist and Guitar Professor at Tarrant County College NE and Richland College