Andrew Matthews (21) is an exciting, versatile guitarist & singer-songwriter from Portland, OR. He is a PRS Guitars Pulse Artist and a former student of Jennifer Batten. 

He is a wave maker in his local Portland-Vancouver area and online, receiving top level recognition for his guitar skills.

“Really great rock tone, intonation, and chops.”

—Steve Vai

“A great f***in guitar player”

—Steve Lukather

“A monster guitar player.”

—Jennifer Batten

“Seriously, the best I’ve heard it played.”

—Dave Navarro

Later that year in Portland, a seed was sown by the prolific modern bluesman Davy Knowles when he gave Matthews the opportunity to jam at a sound check for the “Band of Friends: A celebration of Rory Gallagher”- the legendary Irish blues rock guitarist and singer.

Knowles kindly handed his guitar, a replica of Rory Gallagher’s iconic ‘61 Fender Stratocaster to the then 15 year old, and Matthews sent musical sparks flying onstage with Rory’s former bandmates and world class rhythm section: Gerry McAvoy and Ted McKenna.

“We’re here to keep the music of Rory Gallagher alive”—Gerry McAvoy

Thanks to Davy Knowles, the Band of Friends and the music of Rory Gallagher, Andrew Matthews since that night understands the essential elements of exciting and engaging live music.

Rory’s blues rock legacy will remain a musical spice and significant influence in his guitar work.

Andrew’s rising talent was discovered in 2020 by legendary rock and roll photographer, Robert M. Knight. For 2021, he was accepted into the PRS Guitars Pulse Artist program.

In July 2022 at age 18, he achieved a dream when he performed on the main stage of the massive Portland Waterfront Blues Festival where he was interviewed by FOX12 Oregon and Koin6 News.

Coinciding with his 2023 Portland Waterfront Blues Festival performance (feat. Buddy Guy, Los Lonely Boys, Cory Wong, Eric Gales), he accomplished a career milestone releasing his debut album, “Troubled Child.” All 11 original tracks are written and performed by himself, backed up by a rhythm section featuring Kevin Kelley and Dennis Kaz. 

The album can be purchased as a physical CD from Lightning in a Bottle Records, digitally from Apple Music and Amazon Music, and streamed from all major music streaming services. The album contains 2 singles, “What I’m Feeling” and “Take Me Away,” each featuring their own music video releases.

Presently, he leads the Andrew Matthews Band, while also playing guitar in 5 other bands including PDX originals The Slightest Bits, Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin tributes, Arena Rock Gold, and The Rock Doctors.

In Feb 2023, the Andrew Matthews Band released a first taste of their debut album with the single “What I’m Feeling,” along with an accompanying music video. With the release of “Troubled Child” on July 1st, they released their second video for the song “Take Me Away.”

On the release day of his debut album, Andrew performed at the Waterfront Blues Festival for his second year in a row, this time on the North main stage. Alongside veteran Portland blues musicians such as Timmer Blakely, Louis “King Louie” Pain, Chad Rupp, and Brady Goss, he performed multiple tracks off of the album. 

2024 is a breakout year for Matthews. Since his back to back Portland Waterfront Blues Festival Performances and debut album launch, he is busier than ever and performing in front of ever larger crowds.

On track to 100+ bookings this year, Matthews has performed all over the west coast, including the huge Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival in Indio, California; and legendary punk venue, The Smell, in Los Angeles.

See the BANDS page to learn about each of his 6 bands.