Matty Charles was at the forefront of the old-time & folk music resurgence that began in Brooklyn, NY in the early 2000’s. Like the revival that took place 50 years earlier in Greenwich, Village, the scene revolved around several local venues and a handful of musicians. Pete’s Candy Store, a small bar in a neighborhood of old tenements was ground zero and Charles and his trio, the Valentines, maintained a weekly gig there that earned them a devoted following. While living in New York, Charles released four records, composed the musical score for a film and had a cameo as himself in director, Hal Hartley’s film, Meanwhile. In 2012, Charles returned to his hometown, Portland, Oregon to be closer to his family and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest where he joined forces with Katie Rose after a chance meeting at The Landmark Saloon, a local country music venue. After discovering a unique magic in their combined voices they began collaborating on the material that would become their debut release, Catching Arrows. While the duo's country and folk roots are clearly reflected in their close harmony singing, there is also an element of their musical style that places them in a category all their own. Charles’s undeniable gift for songwriting is the backbone of this dynamic duo. The honesty and simplicity with which he explores themes of love, loss and longing is poignant and captivating. His lyrics “bring to mind Johnny Cash, ...(and at) other times a less twangy Robert Earl Keen. An instant classic.” (Acoustic Guitar Magazine) “Instead of songs about sadness that leave listeners feeling alone, Charles’ lyrics and smooth guitar riffs wrap their arms around his listeners and hold them tight.” (SF Reporter) Katie Rose brings a new dimension to the exceptionally strong foundation that Charles has created with his remarkable songwriting by building upon the framework of these songs with her insightful arrangements and diverse harmonies, often haunting and unexpected. The duo is honored to have worked on their new release Catching Arrows with legendary musicians, Nick Forster on mandolin, tenor and electric guitar, David Jackson and Arcellus Sykes on the upright bass, Joel Savoy on fiddle and guitar and Kevin Major on drums. Nick Forster is a member of the GRAMMY nominated bluegrass band, Hot Rize. He is also founder, producer and host of the radio show, E Town, based in Boulder, Colorado. Jackson, an original member of Dillard and Clark, and Hearts and Flowers, has played and sung with such luminaries as Kenny Rogers, Hoyt Axton, Jackson Brown and Dwight Yoakam. The California Country Music Association honored Jackson as best instrumentalist. GRAMMY award winning cajun musician, Joel Savoy is the founder of the Louisiana based label, Valcour Records. He is also a two time winner of the Cajun French Music Associations Fiddler of the Year Award. Kevin Major is a staple of Portland's extensive country/roots music scene. His laid back and tasteful approach put him in high demand. He plays regularly with Jake Ray, Pete Krebs, and the High Flyer Trio. Arcellus Sykes plays bass in several Portland bands including, Ural Thomas & the Pain. He also works as a session musician. Press quotes “Earns the Pastor Mustard Commendation of Highest Credibility.” (Dan Sadowsky, Aspen Public Radio) “That rare blend of resignation and gritty hope one seldom finds this side of Guy Clark” (Village Voice) “Matty Charles’s smooth baritone and articulate guitar work are colorful and authentic.” (Time Out NY) “Charles’ lyrics and melodies are insightful, engaging and catchy, and his guitar playing is superb. Great, great, great!” (Dagger Magazine) “Charles writes with the broadness of his heroes, Nelson, Earle and Waits, but his singing edges towards the gravity of Waylon Jennings, the melancholy of Richard Buckner and the worldly, poetic edge of Kris Kristofferson or Paul Simon.” (Country Standard Time) “bring to mind Johnny Cash, ...(and at) other times a less twangy Robert Earl Keen. An instant classic.” (Acoustic Guitar Magazine) “Instead of songs about sadness that leave listeners feeling alone, Charles’ lyrics and smooth guitar riffs wrap their arms around his listeners and hold them tight.” (SF Reporter) “Matty is a true gem. His songs are instant classics.” (Greg Trooper - singer/songwriter) “I didn’t know they still made voices like Matty’s until I heard it. What’s even rarer is such a voice combined with such a writing talent...It blows me away every time!” (Devon Sproule - singer/songwriter)