“I desire to write songs that connect us with each other; songs that tap into our hopes and heartaches, our fears and passions, the things that make us vulnerable, the things that tell us we are alive. I see a dark and broken world in desperate need of mercy and compassion and I am compelled to create music that will draw us closer to grace, to each other and to our Creator. I am not a preacher - just a fellow-traveller on this fascinating ride …and I don’t mind being transparent.” Ali Matthews Multi-award winning recording artist, Ali Matthews has been a performing songwriter since her teens and has built a strong following across Canada and beyond. She has released 7 critically acclaimed CD’s since 2000 on her independent music label, Shake-a-paw Music. Her CD’s are distributed nationally through David C. Cooke Distribution. 

As a graduate of The University of Western Ontario, where she studied English and Drama, songwriting is her natural passion. Writing and performing on both piano and acoustic guitar, she blends mature and sensitive lyrics with evocative, compelling melodies. 
Matthews’ songwriting and recording have yielded an impressive collection of international awards. She holds a Gospel Music Association Canada record as the most awarded artist in GMA’s history, having received 20 GMA Covenant awards and 44 nominations since 2004 including Female Vocalist of the Year, 2011, 2012 and 2013. She was a winner in the 2006 International Songwriting Competition, The Canadian National Songwriting Competition, The Word Guild Canadian Writers Awards and she was named Woman of the Year in the City of Stratford for her outstanding contribution to the Arts. She received nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year at the prestigious 2010 and 2011 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. On stage, Matthews has teamed up with co-producer and guitarist, Rick Francis creating a slick acoustic duo with a captivating sound. Their stage show explores a wide range of musical styles including elements of folk, pop, rock, jazz and country. The duo has delivered hundreds of performances and on special occasions pulls out a seven-piece band of top-flight performers, fittingly called The Good China. 
 Discography: Patchwork (2000), On Angels’ Wings (2001), Where You Remain (2004), On Angels’ Wings – reissued (2005), Window of Light (2006), Looking for Christmas (2008), Carry Me Home (2010) Tell Me a Story (2014)
 What they are saying about Ali Matthews: 
 
“Ali Matthews' music touches the soul providing both comfort and guidance." 
Larry LeBlanc, Billboard Magazine 
 
“A passionate and soothing voice...musical arrangements fresh, interesting and beautifully integrated.” 
Loreena McKennitt 

 “By seamlessly mixing elements of folk, pop, rock, jazz, Cletic and country into her music, Ali Matthews has given Stratford, Ontario yet another point of pride.” Mark Rheaume, CBC Radio “Since the release of her debut CD in 2000 I have followed Ali’s musical career with great interest. I’ve been very impressed, not just with her artistry, but with her level of commitment and her willingness to invest countless hours in the pursuit of excellence. The results of this pursuit are evident. Ali’s songwriting and vocal abilities have progressed at a rapid pace… her future is very bright indeed.” 
Jim Vallance, Producer / Songwriter (Bryan Adams, Aerosmith, Heart) 

 "Matthews' softly soaring voice illuminates each melody with lucid maturity and sensitivity. Her vocals are both vulnerable and knowing, finely attuned to life's struggles and hopes." 
Taylor Guitars, California 
 
“Ali Matthews is an artist who shoots from the heart. It would be impossible for her to hit a false or contrived note.” 
The Toronto Star 

 "Songbird, Ali Matthews...There's star-power in Stratford beyond the Festival's stage." 
The London Free Press 

"By turns elegant and inspirational, Matthews never allows the spiritual nature of her songs to degenerate into preachy musical dogma. This is music that speaks to the soul through the ear, whether you call it folk, country, pop or sacred." 
The Kitchener-Waterloo Record 

 "...remarkably poised and confident... her voice is expressive, distinctive and clear, filtering her lyrics through a personality that is both likable and sincere... her melodies are fresh, original and engaging: more than that, they're memorable... by any standards this is among the very best singer-songwriter releases in quite some time." 
The Stratford Beacon Herald 

 “...I’m so happy that God has put Ali’s voice into this world.” 
Larry Norman ~ The Godfather of Christian Rock!
 
"Ali's music is a lot like her faith - raw, intimate and infectious. Her songs not only entertain - they inspire"... 
Michael Bannerman, Singer / Songwriter (Lost Coin)