British Norwegian singer, songwriter and guitarist Krissy Matthews has a monster hit on his hands with this month’s double album, Krissy Matthews & Friends which is already widely acclaimed as one of the outstanding albums of 2024.
Related: Recent ABS review of the album
This second release on the exceptional German label, Ruf Records has 24 songs, is nearly 3 hours long and features some of Matthews’ favorite musicians and friends including Chris Farlowe, Clem Clempson, Giles Robson, Erja Lyytinen, Paul Jones and Danny Bryant.
“Why Are You Ashamed Of Me?” features Heidi Solheim, leader of the well-known Norwegian rock band Pristine on vocals. As Krissy explains:
I wrote this song about my frustrations at the Norwegian government for refusing me a passport and then refusing my appeal three times. My mother is Norwegian, meaning I am half Norwegian. I talk fluent Norwegian and have so much connection to this great country my whole life and still do. What I thought would be a simple passport turned into an ongoing battle.
My lawyer said my application was the most detailed and strongest she has ever seen but for some stupid reasons and after spending thousands of pounds legally and hundreds of hours of my time appealing, I am constantly denied a passport. It is unfair and I am very angry at the Norwegian system.
I guess this is political blues and I want them to make it right and will try my best to make that happen. I asked Heidi to sing this with me because I think she is amazing and one of the best singers there is right now.
Heidi Solheim – vocals
John Rigal –bass
Felix Dehmel – drums
Stevie Watts – keys
Lyrics and Music by Krissy Matthews
Filmed and Edited by Jacob Roos
Recorded at Echo Studios, Buckingham, UK
Mixed by Josh Rigal
Mastered by Jon Astley
This track is the ultimate slow burner, exuding anger, rebellion and frustration through the powerful and moody vocal delivery interspersed with Krissy’s contrasting searing guitar riffs and tasteful, intricate strings. Solheim’s captivating, enchanting and soulful performance exudes passion and sincerity.
It’s a beautifully arranged song with the perfect synchronicity of bass and drums laying down the groove and enhancing the tensions expressed in the lyrics. Stevie Watts’ innovative and fluent background keys prove why he was voted Instrumentalist Of The Year in the 2024 UK Blues Awards.
