Often compared to Jeff Buckley, Scott Matthews is an English singer/songwriter primarily influenced by folk and, to a lesser extent, blues -- though he has also claimed the likes of the Beatles and Led Zeppelin as influences. Signed to Island Records, he released his first album, Passing Stranger, in 2006. The record was warmly supported by several BBC disc jockeys, and the low-key single "Elusive" won an Ivor Novello Award. A good deal of touring followed, including shows alongside the Foo Fighters, Bert Jansch, and Rufus Wainwright, as well as a supporting spot on the U.K. leg of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss' Raising Sand tour. Returning home from the road, Scott Matthews and his backing band partnered with producer Gavin Monaghan, who helped ready the sophomore album Elsewhere for release in 2009. ~ Andy Kellman