Matthew Perryman Jones at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2

Originally from Pennsylvania, Matthew Perryman Jones grew up in Georgia and began his career as a singer-songwriter in 1997, playing his first public performances in Decatur, Georgia. He penetrated the Atlanta music scene until 1999, when he relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. His debut album in 2000 was rooted in folk and Americana, and later albums inclined a bit towards pop. He released his sixth and most recent album, The Waking Hours, on September 21, 2018.

From the very first song tonight at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2, Matthew Perryman Jones appeared to be both a thoughtful singer songwriter and a seeker. The opening song, "Happy," questioned why a person who seems to acquire all the essentials still senses a lack of fulfillment. Rather than dwell exclusively on emptiness, his cover of Tom Waits' "Take It with Me" later embraced whole-hearted living. The letters of Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo, and the writings of philosophical poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Sufi mystic poets Rumi and Hafiz inspired other songs. Soft and gentle, yet piercing with drama, Jones' rich and vulnerable vocals embodied the mystery of his lyrics as his three-piece band provided subtle accompaniment. Jones' performance was a spirited exploration of the wonder of life set to music and lyrics.

Visit Matthew Perryman Jones at www.matthewperrymanjones.com.