Iain Matthews' How Much Is Enough? is a heartfelt farewell to fans which blends folk rock with nostalgia while showcasing his enduring creativity and the lyrical depth that has defined his six-decade career.
With a career spanning 60 years, Iain Matthews remains a tireless force, still creating music that resonates across generations. Now 78, the Fairport Convention co-founder has unveiled his latest album, How Much Is Enough? - a project he describes as a parting gift to his fans. "I just felt I needed to make one more solo album as a farewell," he reflects. Yet, true retirement seems distant: "I honestly don’t know how to stop being a songwriter, and I’m not sure if I ever will."
How Much Is Enough? offers a striking blend of folk rock with a touch of nostalgia, drawing from influences like early David Bowie, and more contemporary inspirations such as Neil Finn, Elliott Smith and Hiss Golden Messenger. With acoustic and electric elements woven together, the album feels intimate yet expansive, a reflection of Matthews’ long-standing authenticity in his songwriting. This is music made purely for the love of it, and it shows in the heartfelt lyrics and thoughtful composition.
Matthews’ legacy stretches back to his early days with Fairport Convention, where he helped pioneer British folk rock. After three albums with the band, he moved on to form Matthews' Southern Comfort, scoring a No. 1 hit in Europe with a cover of Joni Mitchell’s "Woodstock." His restless creative spirit continued through the '70s with the band Plainsong, where he began to blossom not only as a singer but also as a writer and acoustic guitarist. Hits like "Shake It" demonstrated his knack for melding American and British folk traditions, earning him recognition on both sides of the Atlantic.
When Matthews briefly stepped away from recording in the '80s to work as an A&R rep for Island Records, Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin encouraged him to return to making music. The result was a revitalized career that saw him recording several more solo albums, collaborating with artists like Nanci Griffith, and contributing a popular cover of Peter Gabriel’s "Mercy Street" to a Phil Ochs tribute album.
Since settling in the Netherlands in 2000, Matthews has continued to find inspiration, collaborating with musicians like jazz pianist Egbert Derix, American guitarist Jim Fogarty, and multi-instrumentalist B.J. Baartmans. He also explored new territory with Norwegian alternative rock band the Salmon Smokers, producing the imaginative Fake Tan. But it’s his recent solo work, including the acoustic album A Baker’s Dozen, that seems to have brought Matthews full circle, allowing him to rediscover the simplicity and honesty that first defined his career.
With How Much Is Enough?, Iain Matthews has once again proven that his creative fire still burns bright. Whether it’s his final album or just another stop along the way, it’s a fitting testament to a man who, after six decades, still has plenty to say.