Mathias Lattin: Up Next Review
Mathias Lattin, a rising star from Houston, Texas, introduces his latest offering and debut full-length effort, Up Next.
Still in his early twenties, Lattin’s musical prowess has already been recognized, winning 1st place at the 2023 International Blues Challenge and the Best Guitarist Award. A product of Houston’s vibrant music scene, Lattin’s journey is steeped in mentorship and inspiration from blues musicians like Annika Chambers, Shawn Allen and Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram.
Now, he steps up his game with Up Next, a blend of classic blues, jazz, and soul with a fresh and invigorated edge. Backed by Jesse Gomez on bass and Nick Andres on drums, Lattin delivers a set of songs that truly capture the essence of his influences, from big, jazz-inspired chords to funky, pulsating bass lines and soul-infused passages.
The album opens with “Who’s Been Loving On You,” a soul/blues number enriched with funky influences and a mid-song array of licks that displays Lattin’s guitar credentials from early on.
The standout track, the simple yet highly effective “Lose Some Weight,” is a classic blues piece where Lattin’s vocals take the spotlight amidst audacious organ work and fiery guitar licks.
On the other hand, “You Know This Won’t Do” highlights Lattin’s jazz influences, featuring lively rhythm work and delightful piano passages, while “I Tried So Hard,” with its somewhat pop charm, is a platform for Lattin’s vocal prowess to shine.
“2nd Degree” injects a palpable rock element into the album, featuring a fuzzy main riff, distorted vocals, and a scorching guitar solo.
Elsewhere, an interesting live version of “Lose Some Weight” is also noteworthy.
One of the album’s notable strengths lies in the pronounced/high-up-in-the-mix sound of its bass guitar, mostly handled/played by Lattin himself. This marked low-end element adds to the funky nature of the music and enhances the overall essence of the album, both for bass guitar enthusiasts and those who just want to enjoy a strong groove-laden sound.
Another aspect worth mentioning is Lattin’s dual role as both the artist and the producer/engineer, which speaks volumes about his maturity. His ability to write, perform, engineer and produce music demonstrates a level of autonomy and musical expertise far beyond his years.
In short, Up Next serves as a promising introduction to Mathias Lattin’s talent and potential in the world of blues music. The album’s fusion of blues, jazz, and soul elements, coupled with Lattin’s exceptional guitar work and impressive production skills, makes it a compelling listen. While the album shows immense promise, it also leaves room for further exploration and growth, indicating that Lattin’s best work might still be “up next”.
The Review: 8/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Who’s Been Loving On You
– Lose Some Weight
– You Know This Won’t Do
– 2nd Degree
The Big Hit
– Lose Some Weight
Buy the album: Amazon
Being 77 years young I have been a fan of Bluesrock for over 40 years. I’m not quite certain what they called it back then but I love it. Keep the info coming on the type of music we love. I look forward to reading and listening to it.
Thanks for keeping the “Blues Alive”.
Rich Jamiolkowski