Matthew Curry

One For The Ride

Ruf Records

Matthew Curry was born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois. He picked up the guitar at age four, was performing live by eight, and leading his own band by eleven. Curry’s distinctive blend of blues, rock, Southern rock, and old-school country has earned him a devoted audience across the globe. Over the years, he has toured with major icons including The Doobie Brothers, the Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton, Journey, and Don Felder.

One For The Ride captures Curry’s life on the road, his love for storytelling, and the musical influences that shaped him.

The lineup on all tracks includes Matthew Curry on guitar and vocals; Francis Valentino on drums and backing vocals; keyboardists Mark Masefield, Bob Arthur, or Grace Quackenboss; Tim Brickner on bass; and the horn section of Mark Russo on saxophone, Mike Olmos on trumpet, and Mika Rinta on trombone. The album features nine originals written by Curry and one creative cover.

One For The Ride opens with a party-driven groove inspired by the timeless road-song tradition. Curry sings, “If you take my hand, I got a good time waitin’ in line, you think the liquor won’t make me stumble, but it will,” setting the tone for an album rooted in movement and momentum.

On “Born Behind the Wheel,” Curry continues his road-warrior narrative as he chimes, “Tired of waiting, I’ve been searchin’ in my shoes, baby the highway’s callin’ and I keep falling back into those highway blues… I was born behind the wheel.” The song evokes the spirit of classic Southern rock in the tradition of The Allman Brothers’ “Melissa.”

“Barely Livin’” finds Curry in a more reflective mood as he chants, “I don’t know about anything anymore… baby, I’m barely livin’… I’m gettin’ by, I don’t know how long I can live this way.”

“Dancing in the Kitchen” shifts gears, celebrating love and home life as Curry sings, “Don’t need no reservations, just turn the lights down low, when you and I are dancing in the kitchen.”

“Ballad of Jesse Ed Davis” pays tribute to the legendary guitarist who played with Taj Mahal and others. Curry honors Davis’ spirit while acknowledging the realities of the musician’s life.

On “Don’t Be a Stranger,” Curry delivers a heartfelt plea: “If I come back to find you, nowhere to go but back home, don’t be a stranger, just call.”

“Rather Float a River” reflects Curry’s love for the outdoors and the soulful ease of life on the water. He sings, “I’m at ease when I’m floatin’ down the river, be takin’ my sweet time.”

The lone cover, “Whiskey Rock-A-Roller,” serves as a heartfelt tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Southern rock tradition that continues to inspire him. Curry belts, “I’m walkin’ down the highway, suitcase by my side… I got 500 miles to ride… I’m whiskey rock ‘n’ roll, that’s what I am.”

“Brand New Day” offers optimism and renewal as Curry sings about hitting the highway once more, embracing new beginnings.

The album closes with “The Rambling Kind,” where Curry croons, “Driving through the desert with the sunlight on my face… I guess I’m just the ramblin’ kind.”

Patrick Simmons of The Doobie Brothers offers high praise for One For The Ride, calling Curry an incredible talent whose range as a writer, singer, and guitarist shines throughout the album.

On One For The Ride, Matthew Curry delivers one of his most dynamic and authentic works to date—a celebration of musical roots, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered joy of guitar-driven American music.

Richard Ludmerer

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