FOLK FOR OUR FOUNDATION

Influential folk musician, Martin Matthews from Lanchester, County Durham, very sadly died last year leaving a legacy of music that is now helping to support our work.

Martin Matthews

Thanks to his friends and family, and fulfilling his own wishes, Martin’s final album was completed this year and has just been released for sale. Donations made on ordering the album will go to three charities close to Martin’s heart, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and our Foundation.

No Time Like The Present is a collection of 17 tracks featuring pieces composed by Martin and others with treasured personal connections, and was recorded in the final months before his death aged 71 in August 2023.

It includes Mr Coyne’s Jigs, a tune for Mr Peter Coyne, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, who operated on Martin in 2021. In the sleeve notes written by Martin, he explained how it was thanks to the work of Mr Coyne and others that he was, “given more time to complete this album.”

Martin was a grandfather-of-two and was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020. He undertook groundbreaking treatment by trialling a new cancer drug at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

Patients come from across North East England and Cumbria for treatment at the centre, which offers hope for people with advanced cancer. The research and clinical trials undertaken there are part of long-term national and international efforts into the disease.

Maria Matthews

Commenting on his medical care, and the support Martin received from the three charities his final album is benefitting, his wife Maria, said: “The support we received from these organisations during Martin’s illness is something I, along with our wonderful daughter Cate, will always cherish.

“Their kindness and practical assistance during such a challenging time made a world of difference to our experience. Martin was truly grateful for all they did for him, and it was his firm wish that proceeds from this album, one he was incredibly passionate about, went to them in order to support other families facing a cancer diagnosis.”

Working alongside friend and music producer Sean Taylor, Martin, was committed to creating an audio record of tunes on No Time Like The Present he hoped would one day become a key part of the traditional ‘session repertoire.’

A much-loved figure in the North East’s vibrant folk music circuit, having played regularly in sessions across the region for more than 40 years, Martin performed in 12 different groups and was a skilled banjo player who had toured North America and Canada. He recorded four earlier albums in partnership with Sean, cementing his reputation not just as a custodian of folk music, but as a pioneer.

Martin Matthews (right) with Sean Taylor

Bassist and producer Sean, who collaborated with Martin for more than 20 years, said: “Martin was a perfectionist in everything he did. Even through the difficult months and years of his illness, he was determined to get this album finished. He considered it a job that needed to be done, and done well.

“We managed to record everything before he died, but in true Martin fashion, he left me with extensive notes addressing each and every point of the album he felt should be refined during the production process. Over the past year, I’ve worked to fulfil those wishes as best I could and while I’m sure there are things he’d still want to change, I think we’ve produced something he’d be proud of.”

Paul Archer, Andy McLaughlin and around 20 other musicians feature on the album, which was launched at a very special event recently in Newton Aycliffe.

No Time Like The Present is now available and, to order a copy, please email:  maria.matthews52@gmail.com. For more information about Martin, please visit: www.martinmatthews.uk