The Story

Great Minds Unplugged came to be in December of 2008. Matt and Chris had been kicking around the idea of classic rock tunes with an acoustic treatment for a year or so, and realized the key was percussion. Chris was a percussion major at the university at the time and discovered the Cajon, a South American box drum with an incredibly diverse sound palette. The material came together quickly, and they approached local club owners and found them very receptive. Matt says, "We have the Avalon Bar & Grill to thank for giving us our first big opportunity - Dal Carver and I go back about 25 years, and he's always looking for new, different artists. And different is something we definitely offer!"

Great Minds Unplugged plays a variety of music from mellow to up-tempo classic rock. It's a cool mix of unexpected tunes (see the Songs page for more details). Matt plays 6- and 12-string guitars and vocals, Chris, in addition to the cajon and vocals, plays the melodica (a breath controlled accordion) on several tunes to add a haunting melodic contrast. Mary joins in on bass guitar on several songs, and more are being added all the time.

 Matt Matthews

Guitarist Matt Matthews is a Southern Oregon native, born to a musical family. He's been singing and acting since grade school. Matt's early musical training included piano, oboe and vocal coaching at the local university. In 5th grade his folks got him a guitar which immediately captivated him. His first guitar studies were on classical guitar.

Matt always had his family's backing. "My Dad was a music prof and completely supported any musical direction I chose. He actually bought me my first rock album -- Live Cream. Eric Clapton blew my young mind. It was all down hill from there!" he laughs. Other diverse influences include Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Yes, Focus, ELP, Kansas, Mason Williams, Don Ellis, and Three Dog Night, to name a few.

Matt was extremely active in guitar performance in the 70's and 80's. He has taught scores of private students at local music stores. Matt has performed in numerous bands including Lithia Fizz (a junior high legend), BREW, Fury, Revolver, and Oregon recording artists Crystal Wind. Current projects include classic rock veterans The Echos and of course, Great Minds Unplugged.

Matt says "Classic Rock is where my heart lies. I am very excited about GMU's acoustic format because it's so fresh. It's really fun to discover which tunes translate well. We run into pleasant surprises all the time. Chris and his percussion is the key -- it gives us access to a much wider library than just having two guitars. Another plus is how transportable we are. We can set up in about 40 minutes. The big band takes three hours!

 Chris Matthews

Multi-instrumentalist Chris Matthews has music in his blood, with roots stretching back four generations. His great-grandfather, George Matthews, was a conductor and professor of music at San Jose State. Chris studied percussion with Yamaha-endorsed artist, Terry Longshore, for 5 years, and before that studied jazz piano and theory with international jazz great, Robin Lawson. He has performed with numerous groups including SOU Percussion Ensemble, The Rogue Valley Symphony, Ashland City Band, The Swing Kings, and the SOU Concert Band. Popular groups include Kabbage, The Echos, and of course, Great Minds Unplugged.

Like so many people of his generation Chris loves classic rock. He draws inspiration from a wide variety of styles, including Jazz, Rock, Electronica, Classical, Fusion, and from artists like Steve Reich and Stewart Copeland.

Chris adds an important vocal contribution to GMU. "I don't have much vocal training, but I can hear parts really well. I guess it runs in the family!" he grins. Matt agrees, "It's unbelievable how fast Chris picks things up. He's got a one-in-a-million ear."

 Mary Matthews

The newest addition to the group, Mary Matthews, recently picked up the bass guitar and has been adding new depth to the group's sound. Her performing background is mostly in concert music, playing the clarinet, but she is putting her love of music and learning towards expanding what the group can perform in an acoustic setting.