Matt Benson

This May, we are excited to welcome to The Crescent the incredible Matt Benson. 

From a fire-bombed Belfast music shop, to Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage touring the Balkans with Dutch Ska Bands and being down and out in London via every smoky dive bar you can shake a stick at, Matt has lived the musical life most only dream of — now he’s telling the whole story through soul-drenched vocals, steeped in cinematic narratives. So close your eyes and follow along.

His debut album Sit Back Down Again is capturing peoples imaginations and getting 5-star reviews from the critics. A soul-drenched debut steeped in vintage R&B, New Orleans brass, and cinematic storytelling. Grief, growth, supernatural characters and barroom romances — told through warm horns, weathered vocals & raw, honest songs. Hear echoes of Randy Newman, Van Morrison, Chris Stapleton and Dr. John shaped by a surfeit of New Orleans style. Its stories blur the line between rich, cinematic fiction and the authenticity that comes with having lived through many of the narratives that he explores.

Come see Matt sing this album at the piano, hear him growl through the trombone to enchant and compel you through his world of stories in what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

With over 120k plays on streaming platforms, appearances on UTV Life, RTE Radio 1’s ‘Arena’, selling out Whelans and praise from George Ezra, Matt's had an illustrious career playing trombone. He’s been in George Ezra’s band since 2017, and played with Bad Manners, The Pogues, Neil Hannon, Hot 8 Brass Band and lots more...

For more information, visit MattBensonMusic.com

Or find him on Instagram or YouTube

Unrivalled in its charisma and charm. George Ezra

Taylor Lally is a songwriter and performer from County Down, Northern Ireland, whose music blends alternative pop, lo-fi textures, and lyrical storytelling. Compared to Rickie Lee Jones vocally with the guitar sensibilities of John Martyn, her songs move between the playful and the profound, shaped by her roots, experiences, and ear for melody.

Growing up near the seaside village of Millisle, Taylor picked up a guitar at 13, a gift from her father that set her on a musical path. She went on to study songwriting at BIMM Brighton, launched her independent label Saturn Rising Records, and has supported Joachim Cooder, Mary Coughlan, and Teddy Thompson. Her latest single Yabadabadooda, recorded and produced with lan Barter (Amy Winehouse, Paloma Faith, Dermot Kennedy), marks a bold new chapter.

Alongside recording, Taylor is focused on live performance and looks forward to bringing her songs to life with her band in 2026.