Organic, tribal, unpredictable, and crazy, Matt explores the post-acoustic future, warily, with acid-folk edginess and lyrical unpredictability.
This music represents a creative explosion that took place during the
"low" period of Steakhouse 2002-2003. All members of Steakhouse are
featured on this album.
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| album: Best of Baltimore's Buried Vol. 2
released: 2003
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A 2-CD compendium of rare progressive, avant garde, acid folk, psychedelic, and thrash symphonic recordings spanning 4 decades (1972-2003) of under-the-radar musical activity in Baltimore, MD, USA.
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"Excellent stuff! As melodic as Dylan and as aggressive as DiFranco."
-Tracy Williams, UMBC Retriever Weekly
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"I wish I played guitar like Matt."
-Bert Lams, California Guitar Trio
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"Matt shows plenty of moxy on this enhanced solo debut disc, containing two cool video tracks aside from 14 songs performed both live and in the studio. What I like most about Matt's style is his aggressive vocal delivery and lushly nimble acoustic guitar work. Nowhere is this showcased better than on 'Banjo Song,' three versions of which are included here--studio, live, and live video. There's also a sprawling live version of "Law' which, at nearly 10 minutes, shows what he can do in a group context. This is, by and large, breezy, peppy stuff and occasionally downright incendiary--check out the buildup to dad Jay's positively sizzling electric guitar lead on 'Roman Gladiator Theme Music.'
-John Collinge, editor, Progression Magazine, Issue # 44, Fall '03-Winter '04
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"With his new album, 'Drag of the Mask,' acoustic guitar wizard Matt Graboski validates his musical chops and proves himself to be a competent songwriter. It appears that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Matt has decided to follow in his father's footsteps and focus on the area of progressive rock and is showing he can make an impact on the genre with his acoustic guitar-driven sound--a sound that allows him to stand apart from other artists in the field. One listen and it is clear that Graboski knows his way around a guitar. While his voice, songwriting, and the supporting musicians are all good, his dexterity on guitar is the focal point of the album. Graboski's talent is best displayed on the title track and the epic 'Stand Under the Water in the Crest Depth.' Any fan of progressive rock or superb guitar work should enjoy this album."
-Greg Yost, Music Monthly (December 2003)
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"'End of the Beginning' is a definite standout. Like on all of the tracks on this CD, the musicianship is exquisite. There is so much movement, feeling, and dynamics in the playing. Bill Pratt's recording of Matt's material is excellent and the music has great hooks and is generally very radio friendly."
-Bryan Klausing, PoetMan Records, USA
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"I feel as though I have been alive for 50 years. Once or perhaps still a member of Steakhouse, I have chosen to create another project. This project is everything that has happened and everything that will. It is not for the faint of heart. The songs are shorter and date back as far as my high school days, never having had a chance to breathe until now. These songs are the culmination of my youth meeting my future as it turns on itself in the relativity of time."
-Matt Graboski, summer 2003
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"This is our beloved son in whom we are well-pleased."
-Joan & Jay Graboski
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"Matt Graboski is a highly expressive and melodic singer. His blending of acoustic and electric guitars is masterful as well. Matt writes great songs and hooks, offering these up in a refreshing package."
-Progression Quarterly
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"Matt is such a fine player. Maybe I should take lessons from him."
-Bert Lams (California Guitar Trio)
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"This is, by and large, breezy, peppy and occasionally downright incendiary stuff. Refreshing!"
-John Collinge, editor, Progression
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"Thanks for the CD. Matt's songwriting, singing, and playing is truly exceptional. He has a great/distinctive voice and his guitar playing is terrific. Tons of talent!"
-Dan Zacharko
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"I'm playing it right now, running it through a Desper Spatializer which creates a wrap-around 3-D effect from stereo speakers. The guitar work is phenomenal and unique!"
-Paul Rieger
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"It's very impressive! Hopefully, it will fall into the right hands."
-Margie Toll
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"Matt gives character to acoustic music. "Mask" is a successful compilation of melodies that one likes to hear again and again. At the moment listeners like tunes #3, #4, and #9. Thank you!"
-Andrea Stolle (Radio Teutoburger Wald, Herford, Germany)
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"This CD is a breath of fresh air. I can listen to this CD all day long and through every emotional state."
-Angela Farnella
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"Matt Graboski Marks the return of incrediable mind boggling music. Get ready for the apocolipse because Matt Graboski is PUSHING FIRE!!!!"
-The Rizzil
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"Graboski leaves the listener fiending for more. His intoxicating guitar chords will amaze all and the emotion in his voice allows you to feel the sincerity of his words. I will purchase any disc this musician releases."
-Alex Wilkins
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"I liked very much very unusual style of guitar playing which Matt uses. I never have listened something like he do!"
-Boris Ignatov (Omsk, Russia)
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"Unbelievably amazing work. Comparing this to other "popular" artists would be blasphemy. Deconstructive Jazz, perhaps..."
-Rad Death Publications
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"Not only am I impressed, but I'm inspired. Hearing such explosive and unique sounds shows great potential and talent. Keep pushing that envelope. Your music opens so many doors."
-Brad Wray
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"I think Jeff Buckley was a genius. I think Matt Graboski IS a genius."
-Earl Carter (Cupajo)
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"Having played with Sledge in Steakhouse many years ago i was able to witness many of these songs develope within matt's musical womb. Having not yet been able to hold a copy of this cd in my hand, i have not been able to listen and absorb it all completely. However, on a brief go-through on this here website i must say that this cd is liberating in a beautiful way. It is to outstretch your arms to be carried away by the wind. Cheers matthew! I hope we take up arms together in the future! This is a true accomplishment."
-Daniel Johnson
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"Matt's style is unique and his ability is unparralleled. This CD is one that has been in my rotation since its birth, and will remain there untill it can no longer be read by my cd player. His intregate writing abilty gives all of us song writers a model to live by. He has raised the bar and the rest of the world needs to step up to the plate!"
-Phil Eden
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"I believe that this CD takes you back to a time, where music was about the music. Matt just gets it. Plain and simple."
-Christina Bounelis
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