Matt Walker launches 'United States of Alpho' with Ben Franz. 

Matt Walker is one of the most respected musicians on the Australian scene. His work as a songwriter, guitarist, producer and composer is credited on many of albums, films and documentary scores, and among his peers he enjoys the status of a true cult legend. He has toured with people such as Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Dirty Three, Nick Cave, Tony Joe White, Cat Power, The Black Keys and Joe Cocker. Matt has also written, recorded and performed with an eclectic bunch of outstanding artists including Mick Harvey, Archie Roach, Tex Perkins, Black Cab, Kim Salmon, Vika & Linda, Broderick Smith, Henry Wagons and...the list goes on. His commitment to other projects has, at times overshadowed his own work, but he has nevertheless won an ARIA award for his music, and it goes without saying that, within the Australian music industry, there is much respect for Matt Walker. Matt can also be found out front of Lost Ragas, who have received critical acclaim for their three album releases.

Matt Walker is now releasing his first instrumental album. Some say it's long overdue, but the wait is over.

United States Of Alpho is a somewhat mystical place where one finds a home, and peace if they are lucky, while on their own search to belong....and the MUSIC is drawn from diverse musings...
Matt says - 'Freed from performance and repertoire demands, I was able deeply explore the composition of instrumental works. I drew on diverse influences ranging from Albert Ayler to Bill Evans. From Haitian-American guitarist and composer Frantz Casseus to Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, the piano player from Ethiopia. Her stuff blew my mind...anyway I unearthed a new sound and intent in my own guitar playing, while also maintaining the modus operandi to record the compositions live. This involved playing a specific electric guitar (a 1960 Kay) accompanied by double bassist Ben Franz. Additionally, I always imagined the recording location for the album to be Alpho because it is there that I found part of myself'. Phil Gionfriddo brought his mobile recording unit to Alpho and recorded the album, then I completed the post-production work from home and finally it was mixed and mastered in Spain by Zlaya Loud.

Special Guest, Jacky Winter Ornithology

Tickets $15 plus BF, $20 on the door

Doors 9pm | Performance 9.15pm