For most, the reaction of Matt leaving the band was that of sadness as a short lived legacy was coming to an end. After climbing the CMJ charts for the month of September, SYGC was well on their way to indie rock success. Supporting such acts as Spoon, Arcade Fire, Tegan & Sara, The Walkmen and many many more, saw SYGC gaining a fan base throughout the country, especially in NYC, obviously their hometown in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. Recent co-headlining tour with The Golden Republic helped build on that illustrious buzz that is so carefully looked at and admired by so many. As Co-Founder of The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Matt has gained the respect of fans and members of the press for his unique perspective in songwriting. Now, as Matt has left SYGC, he hopes to continue on and take BRIGHTON, MA to new heights.

MUSIC
GRACIOUS HOST (5:10)
(©  2005 Matthew Kerstein) (Kerstein Publishing)

Is one that Matt has been writing for over two years. It's a tune that can mark a generation, yet, one that can be so self-reflective it's almost scary. Focus on Jim Turk's arrangement that makes this tune more than a personal statement.