An acoustic production brimming with impassioned singing and fleshed out with spot-on harmonica and banjo, Matt Burke issued his solo debut EP under the moniker Have Gun, Will Travel last spring, and it was my favorite Florida release of '06. Two new originals — featuring Burke's Chase Theory bandmates and a couple of guests — can be heard online. Both of 'em are every bit as rewarding as the seven cuts already released on record. "When We Were Kings" is a touching look back at the innocence of childhood featuring some of Burke's finest vocals, while "Garden Suite" is as pretty as it is heartwarming — the kind of love confection that's an instant spirits-lifter. HGWT performs Sat., July 7, as part of Americana Fest at Skipper's Smokehouse. Find them at MySpace.com/hgwt
This article appears in Jul 4-10, 2007.