British electric-blues guitarist Matt Schofield put on an amazing show last Friday night at the Fairfield Theatre Company. Schofield’s guitar, organ and drum trio played a variety of original music, as well as blues covers.
Although, most seats were filled, hardly any college students attended. FTC’s production manager, Robert Martineau, felt that “it is very difficult to attract college students.”
The vast majority of FTC’s membership extends south of Westport, but Martineau said he is hoping to make improvement that will attract more students into the club.
The combination of the small venue and the explosive sound of Schofield’s trio made this performance unlike any ordinary concert venue. The small stage created an intimate environment for both the audience and band. Sitting in the front row, one could easily rest his or her feet up on stage. The band also mingled with spectators during intermission.
Schofield’s fluid guitar and unique sound is one that you would not forget. At one moment Schofield would be in the middle of a solo at full volume, yet in the next moment the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. This methodized a great display of how captivating the music had become. Coined as “one of the top ten British blues guitarists of all time” by Guitar & Bass Magazine, Schofield combined old blues influences fluidly into a world of modern music. Schofield’s unique melody and style has even been likened to Robben Ford.
Not only does FTC bring in national talent, but it also features many local artists. The opening act for Schofield featured a 14-year-old blues guitarist from Redding, Conn., Bobby Paltauf. With only six years of experience, Paltauf performed like a true professional. Paltauf displayed amazing vocal and guitar ability in both his original music and covers. In fact, the guitarist has already played with some of the most notable musicians the industry, such as Buddy Guy, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk and The Meter Men.
FTC is not only a music venue. There are more than 250 concerts, plays, films, art shows and workshops each year. Schofield and Paltauf are only a small example of how much talent is out there.
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