When Matt Andersen steps on stage, he brings a lifetime of music to every note he plays. The Big Bottle of Joy is about celebration – hard-won, overflowing, exuberant celebration. Over a dozen songs infused with raw blues-rock, rollicking Americana, thoughtful folk, and ecstatic gospel, he testifies to something we could all do well to remember: the time we have together is special, so let’s spend it the right way.
“Being good to each other, you know, in taking care of each other – those are the biggest things I want to put out there,” Andersen says. “If we’re in it together, it’ll be a lot easier than trying to do it on our own.”
Appropriately, The Big Bottle of Joy was a team effort. The title doesn’t just refer to the record, but the band that Andersen put together to make it. The songs were written with not just a band in mind, but this exact group of people, and Andersen tailored moods and arrangements and sections to elevate the already substantial talents of the players. The approach gave them the best possible scenario to record live-off-the-floor at The Sonic Temple, and the individual performances – shot through with the kind of dynamism that can only come from being in a room together – flow seamlessly into each other.
Andersen will be taking The Big Bottle of Joy – the complete, world-class, best-in-show band – with him on the road to keep the celebration going throughout the year. Come out and add your voice to the chorus.
Today Glide is excited to premiere the video for the standout track “Aurora,” which successfully captures the magic that this band is capable of conjuring in the studio. Kicking off with a piano line that immediately brings to mind New Orleans R&B, the tone is immediately set for a laid back, feel-good tune brimming with warm feelings and plenty of soul. The catchy chorus is allowed to really shine with the combined vocal power of the Smiths: Reeny, Haliey, and Micah, who harmonize gorgeously as they back up Andersen’s commanding vocal that is equal parts blues and soul. Fans of acts like Tedeschi-Trucks Band, The Band and Nathaniel Rateliff will find plenty to love in this saccharine morsel.
Matt Andersen describes the inspiration behind the tune:
Terra Spencer wrote this one. She nailed the story of a road worn traveller finding comfort in a companion that becomes a muse as the tour rolls on.
WATCH:
