I remember the first time I went to support Matthew at a gig in Nottingham,
wondering what I would make of it. I watched him singing live, just him and
his guitar and was utterly bowled over with his voice, the melodies and his
lyrics. I used to get embarrassed at his gigs at times because certain
songs would make my heart ache, I'd feel completely overwhelmed and
close to tears. But at the same time, I'd be smiling from ear to ear with
pride for him. It makes me happy to know that a great number of people
appreciate Matthew's music and have felt the effect of the power within
them.

The filming of the music video for "Please don't send me away"..

It was a beautiful day.

I remember beaming at my friends at the time, saying how I'd had the best
day of that year so far. On reflection, it was one of the best days I have
ever experienced.It had been a huge task to convince my boss to allow
me the day off. I explained how much I wanted to do this video with my
friend and eventually she gave in to my pleading.

We were a bunch of Matthew's mates, proud to have been asked to play
a part in his music video for "Please don't send me away". We travelled
down to London the night before and met him there. I don't think any of us
slept much that night.
We awoke bleary eyed at some unearthly hour and made our way to the
location, a magical little woodland copse in Barnet. I had no idea what to
expect but was delighted to see a beautiful and enchanting sight. Mists
clearing, freezing cold and a rumbling storm above. I had that lovely
sensation of static electricity in the air and could smell the earth. In the
centre, there appeared to be an abandoned fairground! I was so happy
that we would be outside, in the woods.

We were dressed up like otherworldly gypsies, it didn't matter that we
were a bit worse for wear, the bedraggled look seemed to work
somehow! Being tired and excited/nervous simply heightened all the
wonderful feelings I experienced over the day. We all laughed at each
other as we got dressed up, the lads looked terrific and waited as the
stylists got creating on myself and Sal, they were a brilliant couple who
kind of ripped up and altered my dress while it was on me. The dress
had been soaked in coffee to give it an aged look, a nice idea. Hadn't
banked on it raining though… it very quickly became soaked through
with rain, I ended up smelling of Nescafe all day and it stained my
fingers and nails giving me, much to my amusement, hands that looked
like they may well belong to a hard working, chain smoking, travelling fair
gypsy.

The filming was so un-contrived and fluid, and was halted only when
the heavens opened and the rain poured down. The weather was in
charge the whole time and you can't battle with nature so we'd take
time to chat to each other and meet the people involved - all fantastic,
patient, funny and wonderfully creative. We'd film in the showers for
a time until it became impossible, so then we would take cover
under some tarpaulin, warming our fingers around cups of tea and
chat to the rest of the crew waiting for a lapse in the downpour. When
it came, sunbeams streamed through the dark clouds... the light and
the atmosphere was magnificent. Everyone was freezing, wet through
and tired.. but no one ever moaned and groaned. Normally I can't
bear to be cold, but on this day, I truly did not care. I felt like I was
skiving off school and playing truant with my mates. I had even brought
a naughty little bottle of brandy with me that was a real treat, it seemed
to keep my heart warm that day.

We spent the whole day running around, laughing, playing, splashing
in mud and watching Matthew with great pride and admiration as they
filmed him alone, the lovely melodies of his song filling the woodland.
The funniest bit was watching the camera guy trying to film Matthew
backwards as they both slid down the Helter Skelter.

Considering the amount of attention on him, Matthew always
maintained a lovely balance of genuine self-assurance and modesty.
He didn't have to shout, to shine.

I found him to be a truly interesting and charismatic person, a pleasure
to spend time with. He was so funny and nothing made me happier than
when I made him laugh too.

He will always remain in my heart, and I will never forget what I have learnt
through spending time with Matthew Jay.

Ali
Nottingham, UK

Your songs will live forever.

Rest in peace Matthew

Gareth Miskelly

It took awhile to grow on me, but I began to enjoy it more and more,
it was bewitching and had this mystical quality about it. I knew it was
special, and I knew that Matthew was a one of a kind.

A few weeks after his death, I was reading Rolling Stone and found a
little side note saying that Matthew Jay had died. It felt like the wind had
been knocked out of me. I just stared in disbelief. That night I went home
and listened to "Draw" from beginning to end. Every word and emotion
in the music was just magnified a million times. To this day, I find track #6
too unsettling to listen to.

I cried for someone whom I never met, but would have liked to. This
stranger who opened his mind and his heart for a quick moment in such
beautiful music, and then went away.

I've listened his CD constantly in the last months and have bought copies
to give to my friends and family, telling everyone to listen to Matthew's
music, I guess more than anything I just want him to be remembered for all
the talent that he posessed.

It saddens me to think of "what could have been", but I find myself being
greatful for what Matthew gave to us all in his short life.

Sara Blanton

I was lucky enough to have seen Matthew at the Monarch in Camden, that must have been 2001, and was looking forward to him touring the next album. Then last week I heard the sad news; I don't take Uncut any more so I didn't hear until a friend told me. Ever since I have carried with me a profound sadness, and now I cry for a wonderful person I've not even met. God knows how his own friends and family must feel.

Matthew was a genius- I know that word is overused but it does apply to him. I don't think it's an understatement to say that he had as much potential both lyrically and melodically as Lennon and McCartney put together; remember, at twenty-two they had only written two albums beween them, and they were both half-filled with covers.

Thank you Matthew, may your slumbers be filled with joy.

Kristian - Reading, UK

Nothing to be said. So much to be heard.
Matthew - you made me sing and you made me smile.
You still do.

Love,
Emma-Louise Gepp, London

I was shocked to find out today that Matthew Jay had died over 2 months ago.
I felt like someone punched me in the stomach. I had become so mesmerized by his album, "Draw" and will feel solemn when listening to it. So young to die, such a lovely voice, and sweet soul...

"When I heard it for the first time I could only stand and cry
You were just a boy...
All this time has fallen through me since you've been gone
And I wonder where you are,
Cos you've never let me know
Oh no no..."

Jeffrey Sullivan

Although I never actually knew Matthew like some of you, I did buy his
album and loved it, and still do. I remember going into Virgin and flicking
through NME, and I came across the article about his death. I was literally
stunned by it. I couldn't believe that such a talented person had gone.
RIP Matthew.

Adam Maskell

Aside from limited personal reminiscence, he was an amazingly gifted
songwriter and an engaging, charismatic performer. I was a fan of his as
soon as I heard 'Please Don't Send Me Away' from the Four Songs EP, and on
receiving a promo of 'Draw' his massive talent was only confirmed to me.

There was a point where it looked like he was heading for commercial success
and it's such a shame his music didn't reach more people in his lifetime, but
hopefully in death websites like this will keep his songs alive.
RIP Matthew, you were a special talent.

Simon Keal



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