I was so sad to hear of his passing, and I encourage people to listen to and tell others of his music to make sure his amazing talent is never forgotten.

Greg Foster

I remember the first time I heard about Matthew Jay was in a review of one
of his early singles I think it was 'You're Always Going Too Soon.' It
compared Matthew to Nick Drake, who I am a big fan of, so I went down to my
local record store to search out a copy. Suitably impressed, I went to catch
Matthew's set at the acoustic tent at Glastonbury 2000. Some months later we
were playing our first gig to the assembled A&R masses in Nottingham and
Matthew was in attendance!

Matthew was always top of the list for support acts as the band became more successful, and we enjoyed many a post gig drink from Birmingham to Barcelona!
I have particularly fond memories of the two bands spending a few hours soaking up the sunshine by the pool in Rome, the day after a record company showcase.
His sensitivity was always apparent, as his songs display, but he also knew how to have a good time every now and again. He is sadly missed by all in the Starsailor camp.

James Walsh - Starsailor

I bought a copy of Matthews ‘Draw’ album almost as soon as it came out!
I then bought another three copies of it so that if one got ruined or lost, I still had some more. I actually still have the first one that I bought and it still works perfectly.

Matthew's music has been like a sound track to my adult life so far! I got the album when I was about 18 I think, I listened to it throughout my A-Levels, then my degree, and a nasty break up with a girlfriend, and I’ve come out the other side a better person. I think because his music provides you with an opportunity to escape from it all and just listen, which is sadly lacking in newer music at the moment!

The 'Draw' album in my house is like the Holy Grail. I have transferred it onto every medium I own, cassette tape, CD, minidisk and i-pod. It’ll stick with me for years to come. A cracking piece of work, and it’s a shame he’s no longer around.

I myself am a musician, and when I play ‘Let Your Shoulder Fall’ at open mic nights, out of all the songs I play, that gets the most interest!!

Rest in peace, I feel cheated that I did not know you.

Jon S

24 August 2006

It seems so cruel that such a talent was taken away from us (as you said 'always going too soon'). Thing is mate, Inever got to see you live, and that is one of my regrets.

Nice to hear your ambition was to play for Liverpool, same here! never really materialised though, everytime someone asks me what music you like?
You're always in my top 5, and they alway say 'Who's Matthew Jay?' Depending on who they are, I direct them to your music. Thing is, I like to keep your music secret
- a bit selfish on my part, but out of everyone I've ever heard, the music I relate to
is yours the most - I know that sounds cheesy, but it is true.

I'm sure your happy where you are now Matthew. Thanks for the music mate, and thanks to me Jay for introducing me to such a wonderful talent.
You'll Never Walk Alone
Chris Hayden

06 April 2006

I remember when I was a student nurse in Peterborough, some friends and I
went to see The Divine Comedy in Cambridge. The support act was this shy and
nervous looking lad called Matthew Jay. I remember thinking he looked a
little like a rabbit caught in the headlights as he entered the stage. But
once he got going he was simply captivating. He had an amazing presence and
sang such beautiful heartfelt songs. We all walked away from the gig with a
promo CD sampler for his album Draw which we played in the car on the
journey back to Peterborough. My friends and I agreed instantly that Matthew
was destined for bigger things and that he wasn't going to just be another
support act that disappeared into obscurity (by the way I went out and
bought Draw as soon as it was released).

Whenever I play the album Draw, friends always ask who it is they're
listening to. It's sad to think that now when they ask I will have to pass
on the news that he is no longer with us in this life. But, he lives on in
his music and has left something for us all to remember him by.

I never knew Matthew but was a great fan of his music. Upon reading about
his death I feel a huge void has been left by his passing and one which I am
delighted to hear you are filling with the songs that Matthew left behind.

Matthew had great talent and presence. I felt his presence the first time and
only time I saw him perform.

I now live and work as a nurse in New Zealand and promote his music here
amongst my growing circle of friends - he is not forgotten! He is deeply missed!
I feel so sad that we take so much for granted in this life and only truly appreciate
what we have when its gone!

God bless.

Alexandra Navesey

04 April 2006

I am stunned.

It's Febuary the 15th 2006 and I've just been sharing my thoughts with my partner of when we first got together, so we decided to run a search on "Matthew Jay."
We are horrified to learn he has passed away.

Matthew Jay was the soundtrack to our lives at the time we first met each other.
His music will allways have a special place somewhere in our lives.
I'm so glad that I have had the chance to listen and be influenced by his music, than never having the chance at all.
We are so sad!
Matthew and Hayley Shaw
Be tranquil!

15 February 2006

Today is the day I found out about Matthew Jay's
death. I was on my way back from a 'Lunch & Learn,' and I
had left an unmarked compilation I had made years ago
in the car set to random. "Become yourself" started
playing and I thought: "How fitting the lyrics,"
considering that the lecture topic of the 'Lunch &
Learn' was on taking charge of one's life, of one's goals
& dreams.

I wondered if Matthew had released anything
lately, as it had been a quite a while since his debut
release in stateside.

Upon returning to work and doing a quick search on
Matthew Jay on the internet, I found the Crooked Smile
website and was immediately shocked and saddened to
learn about his passing. It especially hit me since I
just turned 27. I'm the same age as he would have been
this year.

I really took to all of his songs. I had the lucky
happenstance of receiving a free CD sampler with a
music purchase I made at a record store: Capitol's
Fireworks Compilation, that featured his song 'Let
your shoulder fall.' Outside of all the known artists
tracklisted, his song writing shone bright, so bright
I ended up tracking down 'Draw' and purchasing it up
right away. It still is a CD that is an heavy rotation
in my CD player. I'm convinced it will continue on
that way.

The fact that Matthew will never create more music for
us is tragic, but I am thankful he was able to share a
bit of his wonderful talent with the world before his
passing.

Learning about his story makes me want to LIVE
more--almost for him as a birth-year sister.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Know that there are people that your son, your brother
touched very deeply without even the slightest
meeting. All through his words, his melodies.

Thank you so much for keeping this website up for us to
trickle into when we do. And there is no doubt that we
will.

Iris Renee Andrade
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

07 December 2005

Happy birthday Matthew, I hope you are at peace now. I hope your thoughts can be with me as i write about you for my coursework - it's kind of a tribute to you and your music, as it has helped me through some hard times and always makes me feel as if I am on an emotional rollercoaster, but in a good way, the best therapy.
I hope my thoughts are now with you - sweet dreams.

Rebecca C xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
10 October 2005

It's just really unfortunate that most of the world doesn't yet realize the talent it has lost.
But all the people who have been touched by his music will definitely miss him.

David Hornbuckle

Now I'm listening to his beautiful songs over and over.
I still can't believe he isn't in this world anymore but I'm sure his music will remain
in our hearts forever.
I will never forget about him and his beautiful music.

His voice is said to be "Angel's voice" and now he became an angel.
He will sing and play in heaven. I believe so.

I was very lucky to have been one of the first to hear Matthew's demo that
he sent to my dad Martyn, I still remember how excited my dad was, couldn't
stop telling people about this great kid from Wales.

I was still hooked on my RnB vibe, but there was something about Matthew
that made me listen.
I admit I haven't listened to the album in a while, but last night I put it on in
my living room and me and my big pregnant belly, danced, sang and cried
all night because that is the beauty of Matthew's music: every emotion is
explored and played with and the result is magically uplifting.

For me Matthew was a part of my family and always will be; my little
brother is sampled playing a space hopper on the album, 'Draw' was a
permanent fixture next to my grandparents' stereo (!), and I even got
embarassed watching my dad dance madly at every concert.

I can't really say much else except Thank you Matthew for being a part of
our lives.

Lyrics to sing out loud:

'When I heard it for the first time I could only stand and cry
You were just a boy, we were all so innocent
Oh we never thought this kind of thing would happen in our lives
But it broke our hearts and we won't forget no'

I am gonna miss you Matthew, we all are.

Angel-Clare Watson
London

I can't remember the first time I heard Matthew Jay.
Coming from Canada, Matthew did not receive much exposure.
He was on a radio show doing an interview one day, and I remember
hearing him say that he had to record everything on his own, because he
didn't know anyone who wanted to be in a band with him. I was in the same
boat as him, and I empapthized with him.

I went to the Doves show, in which Matthew and Starsailor opened for, and I
was excited because I love all 3.
Standing in line, waiting for the doors to open, it was kinda cool, we saw
Matthew strolling the streets of Toronto just exploring before his set.

Seeing Matthew play that night was something amazing. He was playing with
Simon, and from that night forward he inspired me to write music too. It was unconceivable that 2 people, could sound so good. It was an inspiring moment.

Anyway, my story may not be all grand, but, my point is that Matthew's path
crossing mine has left a lasting impression on me.

I think although Matthew's life was short-lived, it was well lived. He got to do
what many of us wished, lived the life of a true musician, touching people with
their music.

May you rest in peace Matthew

Jim,
Toronto Canada

Matthew Jay's first EP was on a listening post in a record store in Bristol, I remember just adoring it from the first moment, it just made me smile, just
the quality and beauty of the lyrics and music.

He was very special, and 'Draw' will always be one of my favourite albums…
He is a sad loss to the British music scene, filled with pretentious one-hit
wonders, he was a shining light.

Katherine Marshall

I first heard/saw Matthew at the acoustic tent one afternoon at Glastonbury
in June 2000.
Put simply, the set he and his band performed that day blew me away.
I've seen many, many gigs, but there was something extra-special about
this one for me. Here was someone who appeared to have the lot - obvious
charm, good looks, youth and talent. This is going to sound incredibly corny,
but I actually got a bit emotional, such was my delight to have "stumbled"
across this guy and his music.

Music can lift a person spiritually. I'd had a traumatic year, and I felt a great
renewal of hope, just listening to this set. The melodies of certain songs
impressed themselves after the one listen.

The Friendly Fire and Four Songs EPs kept me going prior to the album's
eventual release. I was raving about Matthew to anyone who I thought had
half a clue about music. I felt, at the age of thirty-one, a bit like an overgrown
teenage fan. I checked out further performances at Nottingham (The Venue),
and my work colleagues looked at me in disbelief when I casually mentioned
that I was taking the afternoon off to drive a round trip of 320 miles to see him perform in Cardiff (The Fly Bar). On another occasion, I drove 150 miles to
see him at Manchester (Hop and Grape). I think they feared I was becoming
a 'Stan'-like stalking character!

Fact is - that collection of songs gave me great joy, and I felt a connection to
the music, and wanted to show my support for Matthew and his songbook.

I'd like to say 'Thank You' for those numbers.
You achieved a rare thing - an emotional connection with your audience.

Dave Wilson

We all miss you very much, Matthew.

-Celia S. from Canada.

Mandy.

Scott Stein
Columbus, Ohio, USA

God bless you Graham (Matthew Jay)

Adil Gatrad - Abergavenny, UK

I just wanted to say how completely shocked and saddened I was to hear
of Matthew's death. Sincerely, my thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
The world has just lost an incredibly talented musician, a heart-felt songwriter.

I saw Matthew at a Starsailor gig in November 2001, and subsequently
bought Draw, which became a favourite of mine.

Last night, Starsailor dedicated a song to Matthew, and for me, the light went out where it started- at a Starsailor concert.

I hope that someday I am half the musician Matthew was.
His spirit will live on in the music, and what music it is.

Holly X

My heart goes out to them.

I am thankful we have such a wonderful legacy to remember him by.

Thankyou Matthew for your songs.
There will be guitars in Heaven.

Alison ('loveandpoison' from the old MJ.com messageboard)
X

James.

Andy N.

Indescribably tragic. My brother and I agree that for a loss of someone we've
never met. It has affected us so profoundly. My friend, my brother, and I all
feel strong connections with his songs. I miss him dearly already, and can't even imagine that he is gone.

I'm afraid it will be some time before I will be able to listen to "Draw" again,
but surely it is a great album.

I just can't believe this has happened. For me, he just seemed (generally, and
with his music) to represent Purity.

RIP Matthew. Thank you for what you've given us.

D.C.
Canada

Not really had time to sit down with my thoughts about the tragic news.

I lost my oldest friend earlier this year in similarly tragic circumstances.
All I can say is that I believe that the end of this life marks the beginning of
another journey.
I don't know the circumstances of Matthew's death, and I'm not going to speculate.

His legacy in terms of output is slight, but the pleasure it gave to me and countless
others is immense.

It's meaningless to talk about unfulfilled potential - I'd rather celebrate the near-perfect slice of pop he left behind to be enjoyed by generations now and to come.

God bless

Dave

I can't believe he's gone.
I loved "Draw" from the moment I first heard it, and I know that he could
have really made a career out of music given more time. His voice, melodies
and lyrics really touched me, and it is so sad that we will never know what
could have been.

Still he left a mark on all of us, and we know just how great he really was.
I never personally knew Matthew, and never even got to see him play live,
but I still felt connected to his music despite this.

We will miss you, Matthew. You will live on in our hearts and minds.

Lauren
Toronto, Canada

I've been trying all week to find the words to express my feelings on the loss
of the person who, in many ways, was my idol.

I thought about the definition of the word 'idol.' It means literally 'the admired.'
It also means 'favourite' and 'beloved.'

Matthew was all those to me, and more.

I have a big framed picture of Matthew in my study, hanging on the wall,
between my computer and my guitar. It's there to help keep me on track.

This afternoon I came to the conclusion that the best way to honour Matthew
would be to write to him in his own language: music. So I sat down with my guitar
and wrote him a song to say how I felt about his passing, and about what he represented to me.

BELOVED

Three shots in, but the pain's still there.
Losing your sweetness is just too hard to bear.

You were my angel, my inspiration too.
And I am lost
Without you.

Sweet dreams forever, beloved, go to sleep.
Cherished eternal, and treasured as I weep.

Thank you for giving
My home town back to me,
And driving ghosts to the sea.

Rachael. Webmaster - Crooked Smile.

Matthew's songs are timeless. Every song on Draw is perfect, and it broke
my heart to hear the news of his death when a friend called me.

An amazing voice, brilliant guitarist and an excellent song writer.
I'm sure he's up there now rocking out with Robert Palmer and Johnny Cash,
plus all the other legends, and teaching them a few things along the way.

As a musician myself, the music has inspired me, as well as the positive
meanings behind the songs. I will be sure to cover his songs in the future and introduce everyone to his album.

My thoughts are with his friends and family.
R.I.P Matthew

Andrew Dennett, Kent. U.K

Mondo Castro
Manila, Philippines

Matthew bought so much joy into my life. His songs touched me in many, many
ways. I met him after a gig in Bristol in 2001 (I had been stood literally
one metre in front on the mic for the whole performance) and he came across
as a lovely bloke who always had time for more than a few words with his
fans. The best moment of that gig was the solo acoustic rendidtion of Four
Minute Rebellion he did as an encore. Took my breath away. I will keep my
signed set list and album with me forever....

My heart bleeds for the family.

Rest in peace mate.

Rolo

Where have you gone young man .....
I will live my life more protective of my innocence and sincerity now that you
have gone ..... you are an inspiration .....
I treasure the time spent with you.

To most of you Matthew was a talented musician, and indeed he was, but to us
he was almost one of the family. A lovely guy who we still can't believe has been
taken from us.
So young and with still so much to offer this world. It just doesn't make sense
to any of us who had known him for a long time.

We are all torn apart about it, especially Gemma and Roger, who both loved
you dearly, Matthew.
.
Rest in peace dearest Matthew.

Penny and Dave Watson

I hope you are happy now Matthew where ever you are and may you sing to heart's
content in the kingdom of angels.

We all loved you very much

Heather Parry (Watson)

Matthew,

I feel so blessed and so grateful to have known such a beautiful spirit like you, and I'm going to miss you, my friend.

I love you, and for as long as I live I'll never forget you.

Rest in peace angel.

Karen Harris
Philadelphia
U.S.A.