Make a donation to UNICEF in Matthew's memory

Buy Rare MATTHEW JAY music CDs & Records at MusicStack

And at the following:



Amazon UK

Amazon US

Oldies.com

17 October 2012 - Matthew is Artist of the Day on the Louder Than War music website. Journalist Sarah Lay has written a sensitive and positive feature on Matthew. Read it here.

12 October 2012- A nice article has been published on the release of 'Holy Details' by Alex Cull on Planet Notion.

07 October 2012 - A review of 'Holy Details' has been published in Vanity Magazine.

03 October 2012 - There's now aTwitter account promoting Matthew's music. Once again managed by Matthew's friend Ali Smith, and with the approval of Matthew's family. Follow @MatthewJayMusic

25 September 2012 - On 10 October 2012, (what would have been Matthew's 34th birthday) a single 'Holy Details' will be released. It will be available from iTunes, Amazon and major Internet stores.

19 September 2012 - There is now a new Facebook page to keep up to date with all Matthew Jay news. Set up and managed by Matthew's friend Ali Smith, and with the blessing and endorsement of Matthew's family.

10 October 2011 - The single 'Dear Jane' is released today. Available from iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Spotify,
eMusic, Zune, Nokia and Napster.

08 October 2008 - Only two more days to go! Don't forget that all profits from this event go to Matthew's favourite charities, so the more tickets sold, the greater the donation. Tell all your friends, post bulletins on your Myspace and Facebook profiles! This is going to be a great night and everyone should be there! :-)

08 October 2008 - New Gallery section added to Crooked Smile. If you have any photos of Matthew you'd like to share, please e-mail them to us and we'll put them up here.

07 September 2008 - It's been a long time coming, but everything good is worth the wait, and now Jays Music is delighted to announce an evening of music celebrating the life and work of Matthew Jay. Nine fabulous acts (many of whom were personal friends of Matthew) will perform their favourite Matthew Jay tracks, as well as their own work. (JML press release below).
The event is already receiving media attention, only this week being featured prominently in Q Magazine, so book now to be sure you get a ticket!

Tickets available from the venue's box office: Tel 0844-477 2000
Or online from http://www.crowdsurge.com

MATTHEW JAY FURTHER THAN TOMORROW TRIBUTE,
SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE, FRI OCTOBER 10TH 2008
56 Shepherds Bush Green
Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 8QE
0870 771 2000 (Map):

On Friday 10th October 2008 at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London . . . 9 amazing acts will come together to remember one amazing artist . . . . . . . that artist is Matthew Jay, whom we lost tragically just over 5 years ago at the age of 24, in what are still, unexplained circumstances . . . .

Matthew had released one great album; 'Draw,' to critical acclaim, and toured extensively with the likes of Dido, Travis, Doves, and Starsailor etc. appearing on 'LATER with Jools Holland.' Poignantly Shepherds Bush was a venue that Matthew had played many times, and indeed the first venue where his parents saw him play live . . . .

Unfortunately Matthew never got the level of recognition that we and everyone who is supporting this event know he would have achieved, had he lived. He did however touch the hearts of everyone who heard him, and he left us some very beautiful music which recently has been added to by the discovery of some unfinished demos. . . which his family and particularly Vasco have painstakingly and lovingly put together and realised as the album: 'Further Than Tomorrow.'

'Further Than Tomorrow' is very aptly the name of the event where we will mark what would have been Matthew Jay's 30th birthday in an evening celebrating his life and music, with all profits after costs going to his two favourite charities: Amnesty International & UNICEF.

Come along and see why Chris Difford (Squeeze), James Walsh (Starsailor) Kathryn Williams & Neill Maccoll, Passenger, Dlugokecki, Helen Boulding, Flamboyant Bella, Vasco and all those playing think so much of this lost talent . . . . . .

Over 4 hours of incredible music with each artist playing a favourite Jay track and their latest material, all for two very good causes . . . . .

Taking Matthew Jay
Further Than Tomorrow

Tickets available from the venue's box office: Tel 0844-477 2000
Or online from http://www.crowdsurge.com

For more depth on this very poignant story please contact:

Mark Smutz Smith
C Management Ltd
07870 218707
E-mail: smutz@leberwon.com
www.myspace.com/smutzandthec

The concert was an idea conceived by singer/songwriter Ben Dlugokecki and his friend and manager, Mark Smith.
Ben Dlugokecki commented "It started with a conversation in a pub, as all good ideas do! I think I was rattling on about my favorite songwriters and I mentioned Matthew."
Mark, our manager, was almost out of his skin! He was a massive fan too; we were talking about 'Draw' for a while and agreed that someone should put on a tribute. Mark realized it was Matthew's 30th birthday this year, so we had the idea of organizing a night of music remembering Matt for that day. I love playing Matt's music as he was a huge influence to me when I was 18."

Mark Smith contacted the family and began the process of celebrating one of the band's favorite artists. Ben and the band are really excited about playing Matthew Jay's music live. "The songs we've chosen are the songs I was singing in the shower when I was at Uni," says Ben. "I can't wait to get on stage and belt them out!"

Vasco

"The first time I met Matthew properly was in my studio. I had been given tapes of everything he had recorded in the run up to his untimely death some years before. One afternoon, in amongst the hundreds of vocal takes and various song sketches, I heard the sound of Matthew coughing, followed by annoyed swearing and then some sneezing; he must have been frustrated at not being able to sing through a thick cold: it was as though he was standing in the vocal booth next door.

About eight months later, having done my best to arrange the songs in the manner suggested by what had been left behind, I stood poised with the rest of the band, guitar in hand ready to record as the count-in came over the headphones. Fortunately, Matthew had recorded his voice really well, so we were able to build the album around it. What followed was one of the most enjoyable recording sessions I have ever been involved in: Matthew had a great voice and wrote great songs, it was a pleasure and privilege for me and the band to help bring his music back to life.

In the course of doing the album, I met and got to know Eddy, Matthew's brother, a fine musician who also played on the album with us. Since we recorded it, Eddy and I have been doing a few gigs as 'The New Shoes' mostly just for fun. I also lost two brothers some years ago, so I suppose we had something in common straight away. I think it's been really good to have something new grow out of this experience. The thing is, it's been a real laugh all the way; there was nothing reverential about what we did and I would hate people to listen to it in a reverential way: as far as I'm concerned Matthew Jay was worth more much than that."

Vasco London, 2008

UPDATE: 16 June 2008 - This is the news we've all been waiting for.
Finally the new album, 'Further Than Tomorrow,' is ready, and a single from it: ’There Were No Complications,’is released today.
'Further Than Tomorrow' will be available from www.matthewjay.com on the 30th of June.

19 May 2008 - The single 'Our Time' single is released today.
This an early recording by Matthew, made in 2000, and was written around 1996 when Matthew was 18. It was intended to be a possible single to be released before the debut album 'Draw,' but was replaced by ’You’re Always Going Too Soon.’
This recording was very kindly gifted to Matthew’s family by EMI Records.

10 October 2007 - Here is a press release from Matthew's family.

Today is the anniversary of Matthew's 29th birthday. His family is very pleased to announce on this special day that Matthew's new album, which he had been working on in 2003, has been completed. The album has been now produced, mixed and mastered by a very talented team of a producer and his musicians, a recording engineer, and Matthew's older brother, Eddy Jay.
We are thrilled with the result, and when you are able to hear the album, you will appreciate how Matthew's music was developing. It is powerful, energetic, with clever use of lyrics and some hip-hop influence thrown in too. You will also recognise all the qualities admired in his debut critically acclaimed album 'Draw,' and commemorative album '…. too soon'.

We are also pleased at being given permission by EMI Recordings to release Matthew's videos 'Call My Name Out', 'Let Your Shoulder Fall' and 'Please Don't Send Me Away.' (See www.matthewjay.com ).

£1 from every video download is going to the UNICEF charity, which Matthew supported and will help with their campaign 'Free a baby from HIV for 68p.' The medication and treatment through UNICEF prevents mother to baby transmission of HIV for only 68p per baby! Why not celebrate Matthew's birthday anniversary by downloading one of his videos and helping a baby start life free from HIV?

Today we will raise a glass to Matthew and toast his memory, listen to the new album tracks and give thanks for all he gave us and the legacy of his music. We thank everyone who continues to keep Matthew's music alive in their own way.

Matthew's forthcoming album is being listened to by MDs in the music business, and the team involved are looking at the best way to release his album. When we have a clear idea of the release date, you will be one of the first to know!

Hilary Jay
MATTHEW JAY'S MOTHER
jays.music@ntlworld.com

10 October 2007

MATTHEW JAY FUND for UNICEF 'BORN FREE CAMPAIGN'

UNICEF Donations Through Downloads!

Matthew was a Unicef supporter and I was unaware of this, until we lost him in 2003. That was Matthew: generous with humility - never needing to shout about his good deeds. Matthew opened the door to show me the invaluable work of unicef.

Many people have kindly donated to Unicef in Matthew's memory - there is a link on the Matthew Jay Information Site www.crookedsmile.com, and I would like to thank everyone for their generosity.

We had been given Matthew's three videos by EMI - 'Please Don't Send Me Away', 'Let your Shoulder Fall and 'Call My Name Out' to release on www.matthewjay.com

After logging on to the Unicef website and reading about their work to free babies from HIV, I decided that the profits from the sale of all the video downloads would go to the UNICEF 'Born Free From HIV for 68p' campaign. I felt Matthew was right behind me with this.

Helping to eliminate HIV in babies means that we are working towards new generations being free from HIV. It will bring a future to countless babies in underdeveloped countries and take the misery from so many connected lives.

Two Matthew Jay Video Downloads will enable three babies to receive the anti-retroviral medication and care to prevent them from developing HIV.

Download a video £1.99 and support 'Born Free From HIV',
go to The Matthew Jay Download Shop - at www.matthewjay.com

22 October 2006 - I'm sure you'll all be delighted to hear that sales of 'Too Soon' have done really well, so much so that hard copies of this lovely album of early material and rarities have now completely sold out.

However, don't worry, because the nice people at EMUSU have now added 'Too Soon' to Matthew's entry on their download site, so you can now go there and purchase any or all of the songs from the album in mp3 format.

Go to: http://www.matthewjay.com to view all the Matthew Jay tracks currently available, and look out for new additions in the future.

10 October 2006 - This would have been Matthew's 28th birthday.

But far from being a time for sadness, let it be a day to remember Matthew, and to celebrate his life and his music.

Perhaps you could mark the day by playing one of his songs to a friend of yours who hasn't discovered him yet. Or you could just put your own personal favourite Matthew Jay track on your stereo, think of Matthew for a few moments, and simply enjoy the legacy of beautiful work he left behind.

It would make him happy.

24 September 2006 - 'What Would Love Do Now?' is available from today HERE

You can also preview the track on Matthew's Myspace profile

01 September 2006 - I am delighted to announce that a long-awaited, and highly-anticipated Matthew Jay new release is now forthcoming from Jays Music Ltd.

On the 24th of September 2006 a previously unheard Matthew Jay song will be released.
The track, 'What Would Love Do Now,' is one of many recorded in demo form by Matthew shortly before he passed away, and this one in particular was completely unknown to anyone until several months after he had gone, when it was found by friends and family.

Here is the press release from Jays Music, giving further details:

'What Would Love Do Now?'
To be released on Sunday 24th September 2006

At the time of his untimely passing at the age of only 24, Matthew Jay had finished recording, in demo form, enough material for a new album, and to date this has remained unheard by the public. For the time being, to mark the third anniversary of his passing, Matthew's family is releasing just one track: his last.

'What would love do now?'

This song was completely unknown to anyone until February 2004, when it was found on Matthew's home recording computer. A group of family and friends had gathered to listen to Matthew's legacy of songs. It had been an emotional day, listening to his work, when suddenly they heard, for the first time, Matthew's guitar opening this song. Everyone was simply stunned.

The song is as Matthew created it: a simple, unadorned recording, and arguably all the more beautiful for its purity. The vocals are classic Matthew Jay: clear, poignant and heart-felt, and the instrumentation is just Matthew himself, playing deceptively skilful rhythms on his acoustic guitar which he used for composing all his songs. It is certain that the track will be loved by Matthew's existing fans, and will also serve to generate new interest in his music.

The Jay family would like to thank Matthew's brother, Eddy Jay, for mastering this recording.

'What Would Love Do Now?' will be available for download from: -

www.matthewjay.com

and a sample can also be heard on

www.myspace.com/officialmatthewjay

from Sunday 24th September 2006.

25 September 2005 - Today marks the second anniversary of Matthew's passing.
Put one of Matthew's CDs on the stereo and remember him.
Note the humour in many of his songs. Smile as you listen - he'd want you to.

26 June 2005
APPEAL FROM MATTHEW'S PARENTS
- Do you know Mahmoud Rahman?

Hilary and I, Matthew's parents, have been informed by the police on 1st June 2005,
that the circumstances of Matthew's last moments remain unexplained. Similarly, the coroner's report on his passing returned an open verdict.

At present, the police say that they have no realistic avenue of investigation to pursue, but should any new or significant evidence come to light, then they will re-open the case.

It is understandably very important to Matthew's family, and all who loved, him that we find answers to the questions we have regarding the final hours of his life, and to this end we would like to appeal to anyone who can help us with further information.

One person the family would very much like to get in touch with is an acquaintance of Matthew's called Mahmoud Rahman. On the night that Matthew fell, the young woman who was with Matthew at the time, said that Mahmoud called in to see them.
As reportedly the last person to talk to our son, other than the young woman, we would very much like to talk with him. Unfortunately since the time of Matthew's passing, people have lost touch with Mahmoud, but he was known to students at the University of Westminster, where he may have been a student. He is certainly known to have frequented the halls of residence there.

We would be most grateful if either Mahmoud himself could contact us, or failing this, we are hoping that someone else might know of his whereabouts, and can put us in touch.

If anyone can help us with this, or can provide us with any other information which might be able to help us throw light on the events of that night, please contact us on the e-mail address below. No detail will be considered too small. In the quest to find answers, and perhaps some small measure of peace, anything and everything is relevant

Please e-mail tonyjay@ntlworld.com

Yours truly,

Tony Jay

"First of all, I would like to thank Matthew's friends and fans for their amazing support since his passing. You have given us so much. The response to his passing through the tributes on the Crookedsmile on the Memorium pages has touched our hearts, and continues to do so.

Secondly, we are grateful to everyone who has supported the new album MATTHEW JAY '… too soon' with all their efforts. Paul Smith, a good friend of Matthew's played a large part in getting ' … too soon' off the ground and completed. Rachael, Tony Global, Martyn, Rick, Roger, Jon, Ali, Flora, Karen, Steve, Gemma and Simon have also helped and supported in many different ways. And, the fans who have spent hours letting people know about the album through internet sites - thank you all very much. And of course a big 'thank you' to everyone who has bought the ' … too soon' album. You have helped us become nearer to our goal of being able to release Matthew's new material. A special mention to Rachael who is now our Promotions Manager and working hard to promote '..too soon,' and the radio DJs and reviewers who continue to support Matthew's work.

It gives me much joy to be sending the ' … too soon' album all over the world and knowing that Matthew's music continues to be listened to and loved. As well as sending albums to fans in the UK and Southern Ireland we have depatched ' … too soon' to US, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, Holland, Denmark, Italy, Taiwan, Korea and Singapore!

We look forward to 2005 as the year when we all feel that we have been able to move forward, the pain will continue to heal and the joy of all the Matthew has left behind will increase. We also look forward to the release of Matthew's new material and we are working towards September 2005 as the release date.

We wish you all a joyful Christmas and a peaceful and Happy New Year.

Love and light

Hilary and Tony Jay
December 2004"

12 November 2004 - Just a quick update to let you know that '...too soon' is selling steadily.
A new facility at www.matthewjay.com means that you can preview a selection of tracks from the CD, so you can try before you buy. So if you are still wavering, pop on over and have a listen.
By the way, for anyone stuck for ideas for Christmas presents, now is an ideal time to buy a copy of the album as a great gift for friends and loved ones!

10 October 2004 - Happy birthday Matthew.
My personal opinion is that this is a day for celebration. This is the day Matthew came into the world.

So many of you have written to Crooked Smile with messages for the 'In Memorium' pages, and although naturally expressing deep sadness at Matthew's untimely passing, the predominant sentiment is that Matthew's music brought you all great joy. To those who love music, Matthew's songs have given pleasure and provoked thought. To those who also are musicians, his work provided inspiration.

On this day, as indeed all others, I think it a fitting tribute to Matthew that we continue to love and cherish his music, and celebrate the short time he was with us. I truly believe that, as time passes, Matthew's reputation will continue to grow, as friends tell friends about this, as yet, small, but very bright light. We mustn't be sad for Matthew either. As California-based MJ fan Josep Lluis Blas put it in the most recent submission to the In Memorium pages:'I know he's still creating beautiful music in Heaven.' (Read his full message here).

To mark this positive anniversary Hilary Jay, Matthew's mother, has written the following message:

The 10th of October 2004 is the anniversary of Matthew's 26th birthday.
We celebrated every single birthday of Matthew's until his passing. It was a time to be made special, for Matthew to be reminded about how much we all loved and cared about and valued him.
Matthew enjoyed all the childhood parties with his friends - birthday cakes, presents and party games. As he grew and became interested in sport, so the parties were held at the leisure centre, with games of football. Then he had teenage parties with all his friends.

When Matthew was nineteen, we started to celebrate his birthdays with family meals. He had entered the music business by then, and often went to expensive restaurants with record company executives. However, he enjoyed coming home to a roast dinner, opening a bottle of red wine for his birthday celebration, and blowing out the candles on his home-made birthday cake.
I can see him smiling as he opened his cards and gifts, and thanking everyone.
He was always appreciative.

I used to buy Matthew mainly books. From a young age he loved to read. The Dandy, Beano, Richard Scarry books, and 'The Gallery' were early favourites, followed by books on fishing.
He read widely, including books on poetry, music and classical literature. Later he read biographies about song-writers and musicians, sportsmen and politicians. I believe David
Bowie and John Lennon were the two musicians he most admired and read about. He then developed an interest in philosophy and theology. A book which had a profound effect on him was 'Conversations With God,' by DN Walsh. In a recent reading from Matthew to his father through a gifted medium, Matthew said that the book was mainly all true.

A coupe of weeks after Matthew's passing, I was given a card from a friend. It had some helpful words -

'You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,

Or you can open your eyes and feel all that he's left.

You can remember him and only that he's gone,

Or you can cherish his memory and let him live on.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,

Or you can be full of the love you shared.'

At the time, I knew in theory what she was telling me was right, but I could not feel it.
Over the weeks and months since Matthew's unexplained passing, I can see what he has left, and how much the depth of his songs has meant to so many. Recently, a young person in Australia e-mailed me and said: 'Listening to Matthew's music has had a profound effect
on my life. I am really looking forward to his new CD.'

Not a day goes by without the anguish of wanting to turn back time and change past events,
so that Matthew could be here on earth with us. It cannot be, and slowly we try to accept
what is. His memory is so cherished, and will always be. The commemorative album
'…too soon,' which we have released, has helped our healing. To know that Matthew's music
is living on in the hearts and minds of others all around the world brings me great joy.
Most of all, to know that Matthew's spirit is with us and full of love is of great comfort.

Birthdays have always been a special time in our family - a time to celebrate the birth of a
special family member, a time to make that person feel special.
This year there will be no cards, no cake, no meal or gifts for Matthew. But we will raise our glasses and give thanks for the life he spent with us.

He was a truly wonderful son and brother, who enriched all our lives.

The candle we light will send all our love to Matthew.

Hilary Jay
10 October 2004

25 September 2004 - It's the first anniversary of Matthew's passing today. I can't believe it's been a year already, though in some ways, it seems like it was just yesterday. I'm aware that's it's a difficult day for anyone who was close to Matthew. My thoughts are with you all.

I hope that, in my own small way, I can continue to spread the word of his music across the globe, so that, as every year passes, more and more people will discover his wonderful talent, and mark this day with remembrance, and the day of his birth with happiness and thanks.

Earlier this week, I was wondering exactly what I was going to write here, when I bumped into a friend I'd not seen for a long time. We got chatting, and exchanged news about what we were up to. When I told her about all the web sites I run, and about the recent resurrection of my own excursions into song writing, she shook her head, and said that it was amazing how my life had changed over the last year or so. Then she asked me how I'd got into it. When I back-tracked, I realised that key starting point was Matthew.

You see, these days as well as running Crooked Smile, I also manage web sites for two other music artists, a few local businesses, and a childhood cancer facility. I do this using the skills I learned whilst creating this web site for Matthew.

At the time I started Crooked Smile, I had no experience or training in web site design.
Looking back, I must have been a bit mad to undertake such a project! I barely knew how
to surf the Net, let alone create and maintain a site! But I was strongly motivated: namely
by the need to find my own way of spreading the word about an artist whose music I felt should be shared and celebrated. So I set about designing the site. Armed with Dummies guides,
and a handful of Internet magazines, I stumbled my way through a labyrinth of HTML code,
and graphics and animation packages, and managed to create a small site. Originally
planned just as a few pages, no one was more surprised than I when the site grew
exponentially into the comparatively comprehensive version it is today.

Drawing on what I'd learned on this site, I was able to create sites for other musicians, and
then was sought out by more individuals wanting me to produce and run sites for them.
One of the most rewarding of these is the online presence I was able to provide for the aforementioned children's cancer charity, which has brought much-needed publicity and
donations to the project. If it weren't for Matthew, I might never have learned those skills, in which case that charity would have no web site, and therefore, would obtain less funding. I like to think that, in a roundabout way, children with a very serious illness are being given hope through Matthew.

On a personal level, Matthew has taught me by example that we shouldn't give up our dreams,
just because they seem impractical. The world we live in can often be a harsh place, and to me this means that dreams should all the more be cherished and pursued.

From the first time I heard it, 'Become Yourself' became a special song for me, and its lyrics
often made me think about picking up my guitar and giving song-writing another shot.
However, as often happens, life got in the way, and I didn't quite get round to it.

'Become Yourself'
Was what the message said
Though he still was not sure,
So he waited some more.'

Listening to the song again after Matthew died, I realised that it's vital that we don't keep
putting off what we have always wanted to do. We can't help but believe that we have the
luxury of time, in which there will be a multitude of tomorrows for us to chase our own stars. However, Matthew's sudden passing was a reminder that we can't take anything for granted.
When we have wishes and dreams, if we put aside anything, it should be what stands in our
way, including our own self-doubt, rather than yet more time. We should have the courage to
set goals and make plans to achieve them, whatever they might be.

Matthew did this. The only voice he listened to was the voice inside him, that told him he
was different, and special, and had something to say. And though he is gone, his songs
remain to carry that message to all of us so that we too can become ourselves: the people
we are meant to be. That is Matthew's legacy.

'It's not so easy living with your soul laid bare
But you will find out
That a little courage pays off
Become yourself my boy, and then you get somewhere.'

14 September 2004 - Matthew Jay fan, and writer for online magazine The Cheers, Gemma Coleman, has written a touching article about Matthew in order to mark the first anniversary of his passing, and to help spread the word of his music to a wider audience.
Some of you may remember Gemma from way back in the begining, when she used to post to the message board on the old Parlophone website. It's great to see that after all this time, the love so many people have for Matthew's music endures.

'...Too Soon': Remembering Matthew can be read HERE. If you scroll down to the end of the feature's page on The Cheers, you will find a section where you can leave comments on Gemma's article, or post your own personal views on Matthew, 'Draw' or '...too soon.'

06 September 2004 - Previously undiscovered articles on Matthew are still turning up on Google sweeps. Sometimes they've been around for a while, but just haven't been picked up by the search engines. Anyway, here's one I found today. It's a glowing review of 'Draw' in the Malaysia Star. Once again, it brings home just how far-reaching Matthew's fan base is.

01 September 2004 - Marc Riley will include something from '...too soon' in his show this Saturday 4th September, on BBC6 Music - 2 pm (Sky 870, Dcable, Freeview 78,
or see www.radiotimes.com for full listings).

23 August 2004 - OK everyone. It's finally here! '...too soon' is available as from today.

Go to www.matthewjay.com and get your copy. Cost is £9.99, plus postage and packing.

A unique connection from matthewjay.com to Crooked Smile will be maintained for all the usual features such as Biography, Discography, and the very special 'In Memorium' section. Crooked Smile of course continues as the official site for Matthew Jay. Hilary and I are amazed at the dedication and skill Rachael has put into managing this widely admired site. We have also been deeply moved and supported by the wonderful messages that people from all over the world have placed there.

A few months ago now Rachael told us that, judging from correspondence she had received at Crooked Smile, there was a shortage of Matthew's songs that had been released on singles and EPs. She asked if we could obtain more for the fans? We made enquiries at EMI, but were told no further copies existed. We are grateful to EMI, who own the rights to these songs, for allowing us to make a wonderful memorial album of these songs entitled Matthew Jay '....too soon'. At the present time, the numbers of the album we can release is strictly limited by EMI, so if you would like to be certain of getting your copy please be advised to order early (via matthewjay.com).

Love to you all,"

Tony and Hilary Jay

15 July 2004 - Crooked Smile is happy to announce that the second album is now almost ready for release. The album, entitled MATTHEW JAY '...too soon,' will be available in August from selected online retailers (details to follow). (For press release, click HERE).

The album will serve both as an introduction to Matthew's music for new fans, and provide copies of early and rare recordings for those fans already bitten by the Jay 'bug'.

Due to popular demand, it has been decided that this album of rarities should precede the release of new material, as many of the early songs are still missing from the collections of fans around the world, especially in countries outside the UK. Therefore, Matthew's family have gathered together a specially selected collection of the songs that are harder to find, such as tracks from the EPs, and single flipsides. Together, these tracks form a great album.

Mattthew Jay '....too soon'. will have a limited release with retail entirely online. Proceeds from the sales of '...too soon' will hopefully fund production of a third album, featuring the exquisite recordings made shortly prior to Matthew's passing. So spread the word: the more albums that are sold, the sooner we all get to hear those wonderful songs!

The track listing for the album is as follows:

Louie
Sunday
Heading Out
Body and Eyes
I Hope She's Alright
Drawing Circles
You're Not Here
Aurea
Four Minute Rebellion (Original Demo)
Roadside
Please Don't Send Me Away (Bent Remix)
Drawing Circles (Fug Remix)

01 May 2004 - Apologies to you if you're trying without success to use the Crooked Smile message board. Hosts ezboard have made some recent upgrades to their service...
which has resulted in the loss of mine! Their techies are on the case, and hopefully the board will be back up again soon. The site's email is unaffected, so if you desperately need questions answered, drop me a line at the usual address: contact@crookedsmile.com

11 April 2004 - Eagle-eyed MJ fan Claire spotted this in a recent edition of NME, where the magazine listed their awards for the year end of 2003.
In the 'Most Missed' category the results were:

1. Johnny Cash
2.Joe Stummer
3. Elliott Smith
4. Kurt Cobain
5. Matthew Jay

Source- NME - 21 February 2004

24 February 2004 - On the six month anniversary of Matthew's passing, it's good to find something positve to report. Dedicated Matthew fan Erik, in Sweden, located this gem of a recording made when Matthew visited Santa Monica College's radio station KCRW in Los Angeles, California whilst on tour in the US in July 2001. The recording features rare live versions of (ironically) 'You're Always Going Too Soon,' 'Let Your Shoulder Fall,' 'Meteorology,' 'Louie,' and 'Please Don't Send Me Away.'
The songs are interspersed with interview questions, which provide interesting background on Matthew as both a person and a musician.
Matthew is accompanied by friend and band member Sam Hempton.
http://www.kcrw.com/cgi-bin/db/kcrw.pl?show_code=mb&air_date=7/9/01&tmplt_type=show

14 January 2004 - It's just a few days from Crooked Smile's second anniversay, and the occasion is marked with a small but significant change, in that, with the kind permission of Matthew's family, this is now the official site for Matthew Jay. You will notice that if you type www.matthewjay.com into your browser, it brings you here.

I confess I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it's a privilage to be given the responsibility of running the first port of call for MJ fans, but obviously, I wish it were under happier circumstances. Nevertheless, I am proud to be the custodian of information on an artist so greatly admired, both by myself, and his still growing family of fans across the world.

I have always endeavoured to make this site as comprehensive as possible, and will continue to do so. I would like to extend an open invitation to everyone who knew and loved Matthew's work, to get in touch with me, with any information not already held here. Similarly, if you have a story or anecdote to share about Matthew, send it to me. I'd love to hear from you.

People are still leaving messages on the In Memorium pages, and I'm glad to see that many of them feature not only expressions of sadness or sympathy, but fond recollections of their encounters with this warm and sensitive young man. Don't feel that your contributions have to be melancholy. Of course Matthew's loss has brought great sadness to so many of us, but I don't want the site to be a maudlin place. I want it to be somewhere where we can all celebrate the life of a remarkable talent and, by all accounts, a genuinely sweet soul.

I will continue to keep you up to date with news of releases and events, and I look forward to hearing from you, if you'd like to get in touch.

Kind wishes, Rachael - Webmaster

29 December 2003 - Across the world, the media still carries the news of Matthew's passing.
In the San Francisco-based newspaper, SF Gate, there is a list of the losses of 'Giants in the world of entertainment' this year, and Matthew is included in the entry for 24th of September.
See: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/12/28/LVGRL3SO5N1.DTL

29 December 2003 Matthew's Second Album
The following is a statement from Matthew's parents:

"Matthew's family are now committed to releasing his second album in 2004.
Matthew has left behind many unreleased songs that he was working on over last two years, and others that were not included in 'Draw.' Some songs on 'Friendly Fire and 'Four Songs' may be included on the album as these recordings are now very scarce. Limited numbers of copies were originally released and then the original recordings deleted, as is the practice with singles.
We would like the fans to know that we will bring this music to them as soon as we are able, and wish to thank them for their patience and loyalty. It is our intention to have the album ready for the MJ Festival in summer of 2004."

24 November 2003 - A small ray of light in this time of darkness is the news that on the 6th of November, Matthew's tour Manager, Alex Belmont and his wife Megan became the proud parents of a baby girl. Alex was Matthew's tour manager for two years, and in that time, he and Matthew became firm friends. To honour this friendship, and to keep Matthew's name alive, Alex and Megan have named their daughter Delilah Violet Jay Belmont. She is pictured right and below, with her big sister Georgia.
	Crooked Smile would like to pass on congratulations to Alex, Megan and Georgia on their new addition to the family, and would like to say how lovely it is that they have chosen to remember Matthew in this way.

17 November 2003 - Matthew's fans may not be aware that Matthew was a supporter of a number of charitable causes, and had two registered charities that he held especially dear, these were UNICEF AND AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL.

At his funeral, a collection was made for these charities, and from this action came the decision to create a fund to which fans can make donations in Matthew's memory. Below is a statement from Matthew's family, regarding the fund.

"Matthew's family wish to thank everyone for their kind donations of over £600 to Matthew's special charities, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AND UNICEF, which were received at Matthew's funeral on 3rd October 2003.

The family appreciate that as it was not possible for all of Matthew's fans and friends to attend his funeral, some may still wish to make donations to these charities in Matthew's memory, thus helping to keep Matthew's memory alive, in positive ways."


Here is the information to make donations:



Send a cheque payable to AIUK with a note that the donation is in memory of Matthew Jay to:
Amnesty International
99-119 Rosebery Ave
London EC1R 4RE

or make a telephone donation with credit card stating that it is in Matthew Jay's memory:
phone - 0207 814 6200


The Matthew Jay Memorial Fund has been set up for donations made by his fans and friends. Donations can be made in three ways:

1. By phoning the UNICEF helpdesk on 0870 606 3377. As the charity has a number of appeals running, it is important that donors state that their gift should be directed to The Matthew Jay Memorial Fund.

2. By sending a cheque to UNICEF, FREEPOST LON20815, Chelmsford, CR2 8BR, again stating that the gift should be made to The Matthew Jay Memorial Fund.

3. On-line, by clicking HERE or on the link below:

In all 3 cases a thank you letter will be generated.

UNICEF works in the key areas of education, healthcare and protection, helping to ensure that every child reaches their full potential. The gifts made to Matthew's Fund will help ensure that his memory lives on through the lives of other young people around the world, and that they will be given the gift of a brighter future.

There is an additional option which fans may wish to take up, and this is to have a tree planted in Matthew's memory, either via Future Forests or The Woodland Trust. We are currently exploring the possibility of creating a wood in Matthew's memory with The Woodland Trust in Matthew's home town. Watch this space for details.
This action is also supported by Matthew's family who state:

"We are also happy to support planting trees in Matthew's Memory. Matthew was a very caring person who loved the countryside, and we are sure he would have supported this."

For more information, please click on the links below.

23 October 2003 - The following is an open letter from Matthew's parents,
and is a message to all Matthew's fans.

"We would like to thank you so much for the Web site you have been running for sometime now for Matthew. It has made it possible for us to read the wonderful tributes to Matthew from people all over the world and this has meant a great deal to us in our time of immense sorrow.

We would like to thank everyone for their tributes to Matthew and messages of sympathy to his family. It is a great comfort to know how highly you all regarded his music and Matthew as a person. He is probably smiling down now at all your compliments!

Matthew was such a special son to us. We loved him so very much and he loved us. The finality of his passing is at times almost too hard to bear. When Matthew was only 9 months old he was critically ill in hospital, we could have lost him. Thankfully we did not. He fought hard and pulled through. We take comfort in the 25 years we shared with him and all the good times we all spent together - supporting his football matches, camping, playing in our family band, birthdays, Christmases, enjoying his cooking, watching 'Friends' and cricket, as well as the excitment of hearing 'Please Don't Send Me Away' the first time it was played on Radio 1, and the immense pride in all he had achieved with his songs.

Throughout Matthew's success in the music business, his personal qualities never changed. He was still the same kind-hearted, considerate and thoughtful person, so nice to be with. We were so pleased that he spent most of this year with us in Wales before he started the MA course in London and grateful for the time we all shared with him.

It is our hope that Matthew will live on through the songs he has created, and we thank you all for your part in this. Matthew's life was shorter than we all would have wished, however we take courage in the knowledge of the love we shared and all that he has given to us, and we will cherish his memory always.

With our kind good wishes

Tony and Hilary Jay (Matthew's parents)."

10 October 2003 - Today should have been Matthew's 25th birthday.
My thoughts are with Matthew's family and friends, and all who loved him.

Matthew Jay
10 October 1978 - 25 September 2003

30 September 2003
It is my very sad duty to report the worst possible news that last Thursday, 25th September, Matthew Jay died in a fall from a high building.

In a statement, published by various media, his parents are reported to have said:

"Matthew Jay died late evening on Wednesday, 24th September 2003, killed in a fall from a seventh-storey window.
It is understood that there was nobody with him in the room at the time, and no note was left. His family loved him dearly, admired him greatly, and wish Matthew and all who loved him peace and tranquility."


4 October - A recent Welsh newspaper report states:

'Matthew fell from the window of a friend's home in Harrow, North London. After the incident, he was taken to Northwick Park Hospital in London, where he later died.
It is not thought that anyone was with him when he fell.
The local coroner has been informed, and the Metropolitan Police are investigating.

Matthew's father said that the circumstances surrounding his son's death are still unclear. He said: "We do not know exactly what happened that night, we understand that the police are investigating."

Matthew's parents drove through the night to be with their son after the fall, but he died before they were able to reach him.'


On the same day, another South Wales paper reported the following:

'In a press statement issued this week, his father said that there was no-one in the room with him at the time of the incident, and he had left no note.'

Matthew had given no indication that he was anything other than happy,
right up until the night that he died, when he had spoken to members of his
family, in a normal ‘keeping in touch’ phone call earlier in the evening.

In a statement to the press, Matthew's father said of his son:

“We loved him dearly and admired him greatly, and in return he loved us and had recently spent a few months living with us during an interruption
to his chosen career. He had recently decided to return to his career and was reportedly writing well and preparing for a new album,” he said.

Crooked Smile would like to express it's sincere condolences to Matthew's family and friends, and to would like to invite messages of sympathy from anyone
who was touched by Matthew's music.

Please e-mail your messages to inmemorium@crookedsmile.com, and I will place them online in the new In Memorium area of the 'Perceptions' section of the site.
I'm sure that I don't really have to say this, but I would respectfully request
that no speculation be voiced here regarding the manner of Matthew's passing.
He is gone, and that is all that matters, and all that we have a right to know.

On a personal note, words cannot begin to express how sad I feel at this shocking and heartbreaking news.

Matthew's music was a rare point of brilliance and clarity in what can all too often
be a dark world. His songs were true gems: wonderful combinations of honest, insightful lyrics, and beautiful instrumentation. Like life itself, many of Matthew's songs were bittersweet. They could be both melancholic and wryly funny at the
same time. The overall result was an irresistible and addictive collection of works
of beauty, which were wistful, uplifting and hypnotic.

What set Matthew apart from the vast majority of his peers was that he wrote
from the heart, from a place of truth; and this is ultimately where the foundation
of his appeal shall continue to lie.

I hope that he knew what his music meant to his many fans: how it touched
us all and gave us inspiration. His songs will stand testament to a remarkable
talent, maybe not fully unfolded, but well on the way to greatness. He would undoubtedly have gone on to even more outstanding accomplishments,
but now that he is gone, we must treasure the legacy he left us in his recordings.

Matthew will never be forgotten because in his brief life, he created things of real beauty and truth and they, like his spirit, are immortal.

For online news reports, see the links below.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3152398.stm

http://www.nme.com/news/106302.htm

http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=musicNews&storyID=3535909

http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/01/music.jay.reut/

http://launch.yahoo.com/read/news.asp?contentID=214746

http://www.billboard.com/bb/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1989436

http://www.rte.ie/arts//2003/0930/jaym.html

http://www.canoe.ca/JamMusic/sep30_jay-can.html

http://www.soundgenerator.com/news/index.cfm?articleid=2553

http://www.chartattack.com/damn/2003/09/3006.cfm

http://www.dotmusic.com/news/September2003/news30993.asp

http://www.playlouder.com/news/+matthewjaydies/

http://www.virginmegamagazine.com/default.asp?aid=B08

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/10/01/082804.php

09 October 2003 - There's an article on Matthew's passing in the current edition of NME (out Wednesday 9th October).

Auralgasms web site, who helped promote Matthew by making him one of their featured artists, have said that fans are welcome to visit Matthew's pages within the site, and submit comments there, as an additional forum. If you'd like to see Matthew's profile and submit a message, go to http://www.auralgasms.com/ and type Matthew's name in the search field.
I'd like to thank Scott Zumberg for his kindness and assistance in this matter.

There are still fan-run MJ forums online, such as:
The messageboard for Crooked Smile

and the Yahoo groups:
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/matthewjay/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/matthewjayfans/

and the message boards on various other fan sites such as:
http://www.geocities.com/mattjayonline/

and the recently-created memorial site at:
http://www.matthewjay.de.vu/

25 May 2003 - Parlophone remove Matthew's official site
So, following the disppointing news that Matthew has lost his contract, we are sad to report that on the 20th of May, Parlophone took the entire site offline and redirected the URL to Virgin's site. There was no holding page containing an explanation or official statement.

If anyone still wants to talk about Matthew's music, there are still a couple of options. Crooked Smile has it's own message board at http://pub64.ezboard.com/bcrookedsmile

There's also the Yahoo Group for Matthew at http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/matthewjay/
You have to register an account with Yahoo first (if you don't already have one) and then post the messages via e-mail to: matthewjay@yahoogroups.co.uk
Hope to see at least some of you there.

Meanwhile, Crooked Smile is NOT going anywhere. Any news will continue to be posted here, and if you have any information you'd like to pass on regarding Matthew or any of the musicians involved in the making of 'Draw' and the EPs, please get in touch (mail to: contact@crookedsmile.com) and I'll be happy to put anything relevant on the site.

Keep the faith.
CS

26 April 2003 - Matthew and EMI part company.
Despite some very promising work, which included tracks called 'Bad Thing' and 'All this Time,' EMI bosses decided that some measure of collaboration was required.

Matthew (and EMI's A & R department) spent much of 2002 looking for suitable producers/collaborators but failed to come up with a satisfactory formula/artistic direction. Matthew's contract was ultimately terminated about four months later.

Speaking recently, Matthew's ex-manager and producer, Martyn Watson commented: "I think that it's a real shame how things have turned out...we were onto a winner but somehow the project lost its way. I hope that Matthew gets a new deal, makes the music that we all know he is capable of and finds true happiness."

So there you have it. It's sad, but such is the nature of big business.
A talented artist has been taken away from us (hopefully only temporarily).
We can only hope that Matthew continues to listen to his heart and follow his dream.

There are too few individuals in this world who have the talent and tenacity to enrich the lives of others with beauty and originality. It would be a real shame to lose yet another of that elite, leaving us with the dross that currently litters the record industry.

I'm sure I speak on behalf of all Matthew's fans in wishing Matthew well, and expressing the hope that he continues to pursue a career in music, where he quite obviously belongs, and we need him.

Similarly, I'd like to extend good wishes to Martyn Watson and Ric Peet with their future projects, and especially to thank Martyn for all his help and input, not only with this site, but on the message board forums of the official site, where he patiently answered the questions from fans from all over the world.

Crooked Smile will continue to keep an ear to the ground for any developments, regarding both Matthew and IPG, and news will be posted here. Until then, treasure your copy of 'Draw' and the EPs 'Four Songs' and 'Friendly Fire.' If we never hear from Matthew again, at least he will have left us a legacy of execllent songs. Thanks MJ.

If you have any comments to make, or would like to post a message for Matthew, please mail them to perceptions@crookedsmile.com and I'll add them to the site on the Perceptions section.

23 April 2003 - As some of you will already know, Matthew and his label EMI have recently parted company. As stated below, the music industry is an unpredictable beast. At the time of writing it's not really appropriate for me to comment on what happened, but when I have news from a reliable source I will post details here.

23 February 2003 - OK, so there's nothing new CS can tell you at the moment, but we thought we'd take a moment to just say 'Keep the Faith.'

The music industry is a fickle one, with complex workings that don't always make sense. Sometimes this places obstacles in the path of creativity, causing delays which are frustrating to artists and fans alike.

However, it's up to us to keep championing brilliant music, and in the case of you, Crooked Smile visitor, that means keep listening to Matthew's work, and playing it to whoever else you can, to help spread the word. Contact radio stations and pester them to play MJ's songs. Write letters to the music press requesting features and interviews. Heck, start up your own fan site on the web - the more the merrier!

If you love Matthew's music, let everyone know it. Make a big noise about it.

When journalists first heard 'Four Songs,' many comparisons were made in the music press to the work of gifted songwriter Nick Drake. Despite the critical acclaim of the three astounding albums Drake released during his lifetime, mainstream success eluded him, partially due to his refusal to perform his work live. Sadly he was never truly aware of how much his songs touched the people who loved them, and this was at the root of the unhappiness which ultimately led directly or indirectly to his untimely death in December 1974 (depending upon whether you believe his overdose was deliberate or accidental). Regardless of intent, the death of a 26 year old genius was, and still remains, a heartbreaking tragedy.

Now I'm hardly suggesting that Matthew will suffer the same fate! Judging by his interviews, he seems to be a very self-assured individual. My point is simply an airing of my own personal philosophy: 'Don't wait 'till the people you care about are gone (one way or another) to give them flowers.' In other words, it's important to tell folk what they mean to you...today. I tend to apply this rule primarily to my friends and family, but I do feel that it is relevant even with individuals you don't know personally, but who bring you happiness in one form or another.

In the case of a musician whose work has brought you pleasure and solace in equal measure, I don't happen to believe that it's sychophancy to tell them how their music makes you feel: it's just good manners. It's a way of saying 'thank you.'

'Draw' was an exceptional album. Even if Matthew follows the change of direction he has hinted at in numerous interviews and pursues a totally different creative path, this album and its preceding EPs stand as superb bodies of work in their own right.
If his songs moved you, say so.

You can still post your thoughts and observations here on Crooked Smile in the Perceptions section. Just send an e-mail to perceptions@crookedsmile.com. Who knows, maybe Matthew will drop by and read your comments.

While you're waiting for Matthew to resurface, if you already have all his work, then I strongly recommend you check out the songs of superb singer songwriter Ian McNabb. If what you like about Matthew's early songs is beautiful acoustic melodies and intelligent lyrics, buy, beg or brorrow his album 'A Party Political Broadcast on Behalf of the Emotional Party' and listen to the last track 'Girls are Birds.'
From the album 'Truth and Beauty,' listen to hit single of 1991 'Great Dreams of Heaven.' It's lyrics are particularly poignant at the moment.

CS February 2003


2 November 2002 - No major news to report as yet, but here's something you can do while you're waiting for the new album.
Matthew is one of the artists recently added to www.auralgasms.com - a site for 'the discovery and discussion of under-appreciated artists.' Show your support for Matthew by popping over there and adding a comment, and rating his work (sadly, 5 is the maximum score you can allocate).<g> I know it's not as if Matthew really needs our help, but it's always good to spread the word wherever possible.

10 October 2002 - Happy birthday Matthew!
Mr. Jay celebrates his 24th birthday today. Many best wishes from Crooked Smile.

28 September 2002 - Well you can all stop being jealous of students at Lincoln University. Crooked Smile has just learned that Matthew didn't play at their Freshers Ball after all. Unfortunately he had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Fingers crossed that everything will be OK next time round.

Now I know that many of us fans are understandably getting a bit 'antsy' about how long it's been since we saw Matthew live, or heard any new material, but these things take time. It's like that beer advert on TV at the moment: you can't have it until it's ready! If something's going to be the best, it takes time to perfect it. It's fine for the kind of conveyor-belt pop acts who dominate the chart to churn out singles at the same rate as fast food chain fodder. However, that kind of 'music,' like junk food, is throwaway stuff which, at the end of the day, is so bland no-one will remember it two months down the road. No wonder it only takes five minutes for them to produce it! (Oops! Bit of a rant slipped in there)!

Let's face it, we like Matthew because his music is different and it's bl**dy good! So let's take a deep breath and give him the time he needs to get it right. I know it's hard, but we'll all have to be patient. Ultimately, we, the fans, are the ones who will benefit most because we'll get an album that's as perfect as it's meant to be.

Right, I'm off to find something to distract me from sitting here, impatiently twiddling my thumbs! 'Eye-Spy' anyone?

6 September 2002 - Good news for Matthew Jay fans, but only if they happen to be students at Lincoln University (UK). Why? Because Matthew & co. are playing the Freshers Ball on Saturday 21 September as part of the Freshers Week celebrations. Sadly, due to licencing restrictions, you can only attend if you're a student at the university, or a guest of a student. If you meet those criteria, you can obtain further information by calling the Students Union on 01522 886142. Tickets are not available exclusively for Matthew's appearance: you have to buy a ticket for the whole event which is spread across the weekend (Friday and Saturday night). Tickets cost £38 and are available from the Students Union.

30 August 2002 - This just in from Martyn Watson.
'Garf and Matt from MJ's band are gigging as part of a group called *'Mova' on Monday 2nd September @ the Water Rats pub on Grays Inn Road near Kings Cross station. They play great music and will be well worth checking out if you're around and about. They're on stage around 8:30.'
*Anorak-note: Mova were originally called 'Goldswong' (for about half a second). Smart move changing it lads! <g>

Weekend of 6/7 July 2002 - Matthew was spotted 'formation dancing' (or maybe that was line dancing? <g>) in the audience at one of the Oasis Finsbury Park gigs in London. Accompanying Matthew was his friend and manager Martyn Watson, who also manages Proud Mary, one the event's support bands.

31 May 2002 - Here's a bit of a special update for you...a personal message from Matthew, which he posted yesterday on the official site's message board, and is reproduced here by kind permission. Thanks Matthew!

"Hello. It's possible that I could be an imposter/nutter but I don't think I'm quite famous enough for that sort of thing to happen. Something to aspire to, perhaps. At the moment I'm writing new material. Rather boring for you I realise, but it has to be done. Inbetween suffering for my art I regularly visit the cinema - I highly recommend Biggie & Tupac but not the latest Lucas effort, in which R2 D2 out-acts everyone. Music wise, I've rediscovered the La's (genius) and purchased Eminems recent offering (what a naughty chap!). I would sincerely like to thank you all for your support and will get the next record out when the planets are suitably alligned. Cheers!"
Matthew Jay. 30 May 2002

27 May 2002 - Matthew and the gang played a private gig at a college near London on the weekend of 18/19 May, at which they premiered a cover version of 'I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend' by legendary New York band The Ramones. Keep an eye out, it might make the flipside of an upcoming single!
If you could have your way, what songs would you like to hear Matthew perform cover versions of? Email Crooked Smile with your suggestions, and I'll put them up here.

13 May 2002 - Happy birthday to loyal Matthew Jay fan 'Squarah' (Sarah B).
21 again eh? Shame you didn't get that audience-of-one MJ gig you were hoping for, but maybe the summer will provide you with a belated gift in the form of a festival appearance.
Many happy returns from Crooked Smile - we'll toast your good health in vodka...lots of it.

8 May 2002 - As visitors to Parlophone's Matthew Jay site will know, the latest good news is that Matthew is busy writing and demoing new material. The working titles of the latest songs in progress are:

'Closing The Factory Down'
'The World Knows' and
'Casual User'

3 May 2002 - Please note that, contrary to promotional media, unfortunately Matthew will NOT be appearing at the Essential festival in Bristol on the weekend of 4, 5 and 6 of May.

1 March 2002 - Many happy returns to Martyn Watson, Matthew's Manager, Producer and friend. How appropriate is it that his birthday is St. David's Day? (Patron saint of Wales). Martyn's age is a well-kept secret, but if someone were to buy him a half pint of beer for every year he's been with us, he'd be admitted to A& E with alcohol poisoning. ;-) Sorry Martyn.

9 Jan 2002 - The WRITS (Welsh Record Industry awards for which Matthew had been nominated, along with Tom Jones!) were cancelled. This was annoying news for MJ fans who were looking forward to Matthew winning. <g>

December 2001 - Matthew and co. enter the studio to start work on the second album. To date, three tracks have been laid down, including the popular number from live sets 'Stars on the Floor,' plus 'All this Time' and 'Bad Thing.' Matthew had originally hoped to do a small number of live dates in February and March 2002, but it now looks more likely that live appearances won't be until late spring at the earliest. Watch this space for updates as soon as we get any details. Complete tour information will be posted on the 'Tours' page of this site.