18 02 2026
Music Smart are thrilled to share our involvement in a recent project that celebrates the life and music of lead singer, guitarist, and main songwriter for multi award winning UK blues rock band Catfish, Matt Long.
When Matt, who was twice named Instrumentalist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards, sadly died in October 2024 following an 18 month battle with bowel cancer, a music friend suggested to the family that Matt’s musical hero, American blues rock legend Joe Bonamassa, could be asked to record one of his original songs as a tribute to him.
When Joe agreed, they were delighted. But Matt’s mother, Fiona, had even bigger plans.
She had the ambitious idea of fundraising for the cancer ward at Royal Surrey County Hospital where Matt was treated. To do this, she wanted to create an entire album of original songs written by Matt, featuring some of the artists who had been kind enough to support him during his illness.
Luckily, there was phenomenal support for this from Matt’s many friends in the music world.
One small album quickly grew into a double vinyl, with 16 incredible tracks including guitar solos from Joe Bonamassa and Walter Trout, which both retain Matt’s vocal. The album also features tracks from a range of music icons such as Elles Bailey, Paul Jones, The Cinelli Brothers, Blue Nation, Sean Webster, When Rivers Meet, Brave Rival, Will Wilde, Zac Schulze, Alice Armstrong, Dom Martin, Chantel McGregor, Katie Bradley and his best friend from music college who is now a vocalist with metal band Avantasia, Adrienne Cowan.
And most special of all? Each artist has put their own spin on Matt’s songs, which makes every track unique.
The album takes its name from the wonderful live version of the Beatles classic by Joe Cocker, ‘With a little Help from my Friends’ – very apt for an album created by many of Matt’s music friends to honour his memory.
Once the album was recorded, Fiona needed a way to share it with the world.
Which is where Music Smart came in.
We were introduced to the project by a band we had previously worked with who knew we’d have the knowledge, commitment, and passion to see it through to the end. Since Fiona had never done anything like this before, she needed guiding through the process, which just so happens to be our favourite part of the journey. In fact, we love nothing more than to use our extensive knowledge of the industry to empower people who have no previous experience at all.
Thanks to a lot of hard work and collaboration, we’re delighted to share that the album has had a successful presale including the release of four singles, and is officially released – and fulfilled by Music Smart – in March 2026.
Importantly, all funds raised from the album sales will go to the cancer ward at Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford which cared for Matt, to be used for equipment to specifically help cancer patients.
We’re incredibly proud to play a small part in a project built on friendship, generosity, and unforgettable music – and we look forward to helping these special records reach the fans who will keep Matt’s legacy alive for years to come.
