A Little Help From My Friends: A Tribute To Matt Long Review

Triumph and tragedy are inevitably never far away from one another. The 6th November 2024 will always be remembered as a dark, dark day in the blues-rock world when Catfish’s wonderfully gifted frontman Matt Long lost his 18-month battle with bowel cancer at just 29 years young. 

But both throughout Long’s valiant struggle and in the aftermath of his untimely death has been the most glorious outpouring of love, respect, and magnanimity shown by the blues community. From benefit concerts, raising funds for private treatment, and being a pillar of support for Long’s family, it was truly special seeing so many musicians rally round Matt, as he courageously tried to overcome the grave injustice of being dealt life’s cruelest hand. 

The strength in numbers is what makes A Little Help From My Friends more than just a tribute to Matt Long’s soul-baring songwriting and passionate guitar playing. It’s a celebration of his music, spirit, and the warmth he brought to humanity.

This 16-track double album came about following an idea from a musician friend, Dudley Ross, who asked Matt’s hero Joe Bonamassa if he’d mind playing on one of Matt’s songs. When the genre’s torchbearer accepted the offer, the project ascended at pace, as Fiona approached the artists who knew, admired, and had supported Long throughout his ordeal. The likes of Elles Bailey, The Cinelli Brothers, When Rivers Meet, Brave Rival, Blue Nation, Sean Webster, Dom Martin, and Chantel McGregor soon penned their name to this poignant project.

What’s particularly uplifting about this LP is that Long himself is very much present, with his original vocals and guitar parts appearing on several tracks. Opening with the hard-hitting, blues-rock swagger of “Broken Man”, there’s real joy hearing Matt’s earthy, growling pipes alongside Bonamassa’s classy contribution. While Catfish were known for being a rockin’ powerhouse blues band, this album also explores Matt’s other musical craving — hard rock and metal. This heavier edge was heard with his side hustle Matt Long and The Revenant Ones, which comes alive in the very next track “Have My Say.” Delivered with high-octane aplomb by the Zac Schulze Gang, it rocks over and under the floorboards.

There’s a shift in mood when Bailey joins forces with the Cinelli Bros on the feel-good swing of “Better Days.” Bouncy and catchy, it’s a lovely, sunshine-filled arrangement.

The album’s empyrean moment “Archangel” is a beautiful piece of music written by Long about the passing of his grandmother. Matt’s friend Alice Armstrong (who also designed this album’s sleeve) soars on this heart-wrenching number with raw emotion and breathtaking control. The kind that can turn the most hardened face into a blubbery mess.

Elsewhere, the ever-resilient Walter Trout lends his guitar prowess to the slow, moving blues of “All I Ask Of You,” with Long’s original vocal another powerful reminder of how deep he dug into his soul. Brave Rival makes an appearance on “Up In Smoke.” Lindsey Bonnick’s voice is truly magnificent on this dark yet pulsating anthem, almost matched by the on-fire, riff-driven guitar of Ed Clarke.

As you listen to this record, two things really gaze in the stars. Matt Long was an incredibly versatile talent, able to switch masterfully between the blues-rooted sound of Catfish to heavy rock, bordering on metal at times.

Secondly, it illustrates the genuine affection and respect this community had for the man, reinforcing the healing power of music, and even more deeply, the blues.

Gone far too soon, but Matt’s name and this recording deserve to live long in the memory.

The Review: 9.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Broken Man
– Archangel
– Up In Smoke

The Big Hit

– Archangel