M. Ward

The hushed and weathered tones of M. Ward are easily one of the most intoxicating sounds on earth. Whether he's creating his own songs, writing and producing for others, or playing with his superbly ramshackle backing band, Matt breathes irresistible life into everything he does. His renowned guitar playing is immediately striking but it's also his songwriting for which he is universally loved and lauded. If it's possible to be both eloquent and vague in the same sentence then Matt Ward knows how. If it's possible to be both diffident and bold in delivery, then he knows that too. It's the kind of writing which begs repeated listens, all delivered in a voice oozing with warmth and gravelly charm.

Post War is the fourth M. Ward album and his most absorbing to date. Its songs unravel their world wearied tales of life, love and human kindness with an innate and special grace, helped in part by the very talented friends who join him on this record, including Neko Case and Mike Mogis as well as old "Monsters Of Folk" touring buddy Jim James (of My Morning Jacket).

After a six-year stint with the trio Rodriguez, M. Ward began sketching out songs deeply rooted in the classic traditions of American country-folk. Rodriguez's home was in San Luis Obispo, CA, and they eventually recorded Swing Like a Metronome with Granddaddy's Jason Lytle. Ward's first solo effort came in the form of Duet for Guitars #2, which was written and recorded with the help of John King while Ward was living between Chicago and various locales on the West Coast. Eventually, Duet for Guitars #2 was placed in the hands of the ever-enigmatic Giant Sand mastermind Howe Gelb, who released it on his own Ow Om Recordings in the fall of 2000. The record enjoyed favorable reviews and a considerable amount of attention in underground rock circles and Ward supported it with a handful tours throughout the United States and Europe. His follow-up, End of Amnesia, was released on Future Farmer in 2001. In 2003 he signed with Merge and released Transfiguration of Vincent, followed by Transistor Radio in 2005 and Post-War in 2006. In 2008, after collaborating on a song for the film The Go-Getter with actress Zooey Deschanel, the unlikely duo released a well-received album of covers and Deschanel originals called Volume One under the moniker She & Him. Ward returned to the studio later that year to begin work on 2009's Hold Time. ~ Nate Cavalieri, All Music Guide