Matt Mays at the Cameron House

Can’t believe I just lucked in to an impromptu show @TheCameronHouse w/@MattMays sitting in w/@SamCashMusic & band!! pic.twitter.com/7UifOaHS3d

— Philip Turner (@philipsturner) June 22, 2014

As readers of my blogs may recall, I’m a huge fan of Canadian rocker Matt Mays, whom I saw play live at Toronto’s Lee’s Palace in 2012. Last week in Toronto during NXNE I was delighted to happen on to an impromptu set of live music that included him at the venerable Cameron House, a sweet venue that features two stages and its own in-house record label. I spoke with Mays afterward and we shared some real bonding moments after this 3-song mini set they did. It kicked off w/Neil Young’s “Helpless,” and two songs of Sam Cash’s, when Matt swapped lead licks with Sam’s lead guitarist. I had been standing right in front of them the whole time, less than 6-8 feet away. As he stepped off the tiny stage at Cameron House I reached out my hand and thanked him. I said my name and added, “You recently followed me on Twitter,” just to let him know (figuring he must have so many). He replied, “Oh, yeah, I did that on purpose. I’ve been reading your stuff.” I thought to offer condolences about Jay Smith, adding, “I know it’s been a long time, but I don’t want to miss the chance to say something.” He said, “Oh, that right I there I really appreciate so much.” He said he’s working on a new album, part of the time in LA.
Before I went to bed back in my room, nearly 4am, I tweeted and Facebooked a couple messages w/pics and he and Sam Cash all re-shared them. I was glowing for days, still sort of am.

http://music.cbc.ca/#/artists/Joe-Nolan

http://music.cbc.ca/#/artists/Sam-Cash

http://philipsturner.com/2013/03/30/lose-jay-smith/