TAUK's Matt Jalbert Has Started a New Band, and Philly Gets the First Show

Here's one for the jam calendar. TAUK guitarist Matt Jalbert has assembled a new band, grabbed the microphone himself, and surrounded himself with players whose résumés should make this project worth watching. The Matt Jalbert Band features former Goose drummer Ben Atkind, former Dopapod keyboardist Eli Winderman, Philly's own Jonathan Colman of Muscle Tough on bass, and Adam November, guitarist for Karina Rykman. Jalbert will handle guitar and lead vocals. And Philadelphia gets first dibs.

The band makes its live debut at MilkBoy on October 29 as the opening night of a Halloween run with Baltimore's Natalie Brooke. From there, the group heads to New York's Bowery Palace on October 30 before wrapping up October 31 at The Bunker Brewpub in Virginia Beach. But this is more than another side project. The new band arrives as Jalbert prepares to release his debut solo album, Somebody's Child, on November 20 via ELM Records. The eight-song record marks a major departure for the longtime TAUK guitarist, putting Jalbert behind the microphone as a singer and lyricist for the first time. 

The album's title track is out now, giving fans their first taste of that new direction. Jalbert has described songwriting and singing as a chance to become a beginner again, exploring unfamiliar creative territory after years of being known primarily as an instrumental guitarist. The record itself centers on searching for meaning, direction and solid ground, touching on themes including imposter syndrome, outside expectations and trusting your own instincts. Somebody's Child was recorded at Tone Town Sound in Los Angeles and produced by Jalbert, Curtis Kelley and Devin Runco. Kelley plays drums and percussion, Runco contributes bass and guitar, and Steve Watkins handles keys, with additional guests appearing across the record. 

The album and touring band also represent two different ensembles. While Kelley, Runco and Watkins form the core studio lineup, the live Matt Jalbert Band brings together Atkind, Winderman, Colman and November to bring the new material to the stage. TAUK itself isn't going anywhere, either. For Jalbert, Somebody's Child opens another lane alongside the instrumental work that established his career.Check out the full list of tour dates here.

For Philly jam fans, though, the important date is easy:

October 29. MilkBoy. 8pm. Grab Tickets.

watch a clip here from band practice via Matt Jalbert