Georgia-born, Texas-bred, Minnesota-anchored singer-songwriter Matthew Fox established himself as a fine guitarist and singer on his 2002 debut album. On his new Tall Tales & Plain Lies (self-released) Fox makes a good case for himself as a compelling storyteller in the great Texas tradition. Especially vivid tales from the album include the twisted amour depicted in "West Texas Love Story" and the harrowing and bloody "Another Murder Song." Sporting influences ranging from blues to bluegrass, he's perhaps at his best when invoking a bit of western swing and the wry wit of somebody like Lyle Lovett, whom he sometimes uncannily resembles vocally. If anything, Fox's picking prowess gets a little overlooked here, although there are scattered flashes of jazz and country-inspired interplay with Peter Ostroushko's fiddle and mandolin.
-Rick Mason
City Pages "A-List", 12/1/04
Fox’s second album ("Tall Tales & Plain Lies") is a set of well-crafted originals, most of which are well informed by various traditional styles. A fine writer, Fox is particularly effective in story-telling songs. Fox has a voice that holds the listener’s attention, his guitar playing is very good and he gets some excellent support from Peter Ostroushko, Gary Raynor and Clint Hoover.
-SingOut! Magazine, Winter 2005
"Pilgrim" is full of delicious picking from Fox and a coterie of local aces, including Peter Ostroushko, Dave Hull and Kari Larson, plus lithe, affecting vocals. Fox can hang a wry angle in this voice, as on the Lyle Lovett-style "Magnolia Walk," or invoke a high, lonesome tenor laced with bittersweet country soul. As a songwriter, Fox has a superb ear for melody, as on the exquisite instrumental lament "Captain's Waltz," and can tell a story equally well with words, vividly detailing the yearnings of a road-weary wanderer on "Where I Shall Not Rest Alone."
-Rick Mason
Star Tribune (Mpls.), 11/29/02
Guitarist and singer Matthew Fox's music is steeped in country blues, bluegrass and Texas swing. Equal parts originals and traditional songs, the album ("Pilgrim") has a toe tapping, easygoing, front-porch vibe. Fox's playing is solid, and he invites a few choice guests along for the ride, including Peter Ostroushko on fiddle and mandolin.
-SingOut! Magazine, Fall 2003
Mr. Fox takes the title of this release to heart, reaching deep into the well of folk music to make a record that is bluesy, eclectic and amazingly delicate in its interpretation and execution. ...Fox gets his music to soar to new heights. Mandolins, fiddles and guitars, with the aid of the occasional thumping bass and drums, weave a tapestry of sophisticated sounds that create a special sort of roar. His voice resonates with an authenticity that brings everything to life in vivid living color, making this the perfect record to warm up a frozen world.
-Paul Dickinson
PULSE of the Twin Cities, 3/12/03
"...I try to avoid superlatives lest I shoot all those arrows, only to find my quiver empty when the truly trophy game strolls by. So when I tell you about the experience of hearing Matthew Fox, please accept that I am not over-stating the case.
Matthew started the set with two songs he penned. The first was a sand-cast impression of a Norman Blake style tune. He captured Norman's easy way and at home touch with the guitar, but.....with Matthew, that's no affectation. He plays that way -- did all day. His second was a dead-on Lyle Lovett style song but let me point out that if Lyle had the good sense to include this on one of his CDs, it would be the best written and most enjoyable track. Matthew is so facile with the guitar, with such an easy-going stage presence, that you don't really care what his left and right hand are doing (as a guitarist watching another), you are only being carried off to where he is taking you."
-John Bauman
Acoustic Guitar Magazine "Guitar Talk"
(review of live show, Valparaiso, IN, 2001)
The whole collection is instrumentally and vocally excellent; and for all its high production values, it sounds like a bunch of talented musicians hitting the groove on somebody's back porch: relaxed but high energy at the same time. One sure sign that Pilgrim is destined to become one of my favorite albums is that Matt's music makes me want to sit down and try to play along: it's a singer/songwriter thing; but tastefully fleshed out with other talent.
-Steve Thorpe
Rapid City Journal, January 2003
"Pilgrim" is a polished set of rootsy styles, seamlessly blended... (It) compiles traditional songs with original ones, and each is performed flawlessly... His steady vocals amble with the rhythm section while fiddle and guitar weave like fireflies at night. The disc is organic and has that elusive quality known as flow. You can pull out any one song and get a wonderful taste or you can sit down and listen to the whole thing and get a full, hearty meal.
-Eric Lochridge
Rapid City Journal, February 2003
His sound is clean and crisp. It reminds me of what folk music should be, simple and from the heart and gut.
- Panache Magazine, February 2003
