Eli Mattson

Eli Mattson plays the big stage in Las Vegas - a long time coming.

Vegas is lights and glitz and talent and the big gamble. Few make it here. Eli is seeking the road and touring and concerts right after this.

Eli Mattson is as at home on the stage playing the grand as anywhere else on Earth.

Friends - Eli and Neal pulled through to the top two. Both are deserving, and both have great careers ahead. Neal is already working on an album and will be in New York in the following weeks. Eli will be there too recording a couple songs to get out on the web.

The Finale brought a lot of friends together. Now the show... goes on and on.

After the show Jeanne (the Mom), Eli and Cassie have a heart to heart chat amid the noise of celebration and fun and friends.

Eli, Cassie and uncles Dave & Roger gather at the MGM for the after-the-show celebration. Now, Eli hits the road, gets to recording, tries to catch up on sleep (which we all agreed isn't likely to happen), and gets the next phase of his career going.

One More Bus Ticket...

A flight back to the Midwest from LA, and then a Greyhound bus trip up to see family and friends; Eli Mattson's nearly two-month stint of Universal City hotel living, excitement and stress, and emotional roller coaster rides made the trip home a welcome change of scenery.

Now Eli and Neal are in Las Vegas getting ready for the October 17 MGM Grand show. Neal is headliner, of course, and Eli will perform before him. In the mean time everyone is wondering about a tour schedule and a new CD from Eli Mattson. He's moving as fast as he can and has some good help. Stay tuned!

THE TOP TWO - THE TWO GREAT FRIENDS

Universal City seems to have hunched its shoulders in the 103-degree heat, even as the great valley of Los Angeles is choked with traffic and smog. I've been awake for three days because of crazy jet connections, delays, jobs, and that balancing act we seem to do to get through these times. These times… such mood swings in the economy and politics even as five talented people see their futures unfold before them. What did Piers Morgan say during one of these shows, something about that even in these difficult times it is so great that people can find their dreams on a show like AGT.

Eli Mattson was tired on this Wednesday, the first day of October; they all were, Neal Boyd, the Nuttin' But Stringz brothers, Queen Emily and Donald Braswell. Eli was already in make up and show preparations when Jeanne (mom), Mary (sister), Keith Szarabajka (actor), and I met for breakfast up at the City Walk. It’s a place where the finalists can go to get food because it is near by and they have always had to be on call. The heat seemed to wilt the people wandering through, but it did not really impact us - we were energized by what this day would bring.

"There is no bad news here," Mary said. And she is right. The Top Five are all winners - to get to this point in a competition that auditioned over 200,000 people is truly astonishing.

Just a few days ago Eli had said, "If it comes down to Neal and me, I want Neal to take it; he is so awesome. I just want to get on the road, get a bus, and do concerts."

These words of Eli's had the ring of a certain kind of prophecy to them.

Soon - back at the familiar sound stage, we talk to Edward Ruiz who tells us to stay excited and cheering - "Or I'll send you back to your cars!" Edward gives us a warm welcome, he knows the families of the Top Five, and he is involved in this scene, he cares. This is a personal touch in a business that can seem aloof and cold.

Lindsey, the young woman at the stage door entrance, also welcomes us as Edward did. She whispers to Jeanne, "I hope he wins!"

Joey Zak, an old friend of Eli's from the early days is in town. He's with the band Marashino, and was Eli's drummer on the "MONSTERS" CD. He joins us in line for the show. "I've been touring with the band - we do a hundred gigs a year, so we're pretty busy. But what Eli is doing here - wow - it's hard to imagine!"

Jeff & Jerry Taylor, and Sharon & Tony Kessler, fans from Door County, Wisconsin are here too. They've got a big "DOOR COUNTY LOVES ELI" sign.

When they hold it up in the auditorium Frank Nicotero, the MC for the crowd warm-up asks, "Door County - where is that?"

They all yell out, "It's Eli's home! It's in Wisconsin!"

Frank Nicotero exaggerates the "look of realization" on his face, and says, "Wisconsin - alright!" The he works the crowd, "I want big noise for these finalists, and we've got a guest superstar here - Leona Lewis, and I want big noise for her!"

Leona Lewis is pre-taped because of complex set changes. She comes out and infuses the people here with energy and good vibes. The laser lights cut through the stage fog as piano, drums, electric guitar and back-up vocals crescendo in the riot of sights and sounds. Leona Lewis was discovered by Simon Cowell, who created AGT and American Idol - he has the gift of putting it all together. Eli Mattson is at the door step of this huge "…star-making machinery of the popular song…" (as Joni Mitchell once sang). The door is open wide (the Top Five), and we're about to look in the room! I think of the Wizard of Oz… "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain…" We are getting a glimpse of this complex industry that has the glaze of brilliant talent over the superstructure of business and advertising and public relations and radio and recording and crowds and continents.

Then the count down begins… fifth place is Queen Emily. Her family is sitting right in front of Jeanne and I; tears glisten in their eyes as hands come up and bracket their expressions of shock. They thought she'd go farther - but she has gone so far. One of her sisters turns to me and grabs my hand - I see how I feel in her eyes; this is all emotion and expectation compressed into the infinite ten seconds that Jerry Springer takes to let the weight of the choice sit in before he announces a name. We are somber, but we are expectant

Then fourth place… Jerry Springer pauses again, and then says, "Donald Braswell!" and then third place…

When Jerry Springer said, "Nuttin' But Stringz" I took Jeanne's hand. Her daughter Mary and other son Jacob and my other sister Sara all hugged each other… this meant Eli and Neal were the top two. I remembered Eli's prophecy… "I want Neal to win!"

The next five minutes were like a slow-motion fall into some cosmic place. We watched the emotion in Neal Boyd's face - tears, and with all his might holding back the flood of the moment. Eli knitted his brow, a brief smile towards his friend Neal... what ever was about to happen was just fine with Eli - that's what I saw in his face. They rolled the tapes of their rise to this moment, the accolades from the judges, the thrills and songs and perfect pitch notes. It seemed Neal had shed enough tears of joy to fill an ocean! And then Jerry Springer said, "The winner of America's Got Talent and one million dollars is…"

How long can you pause on live television? Forever… and then…

"Neal E. Boyd"! The place erupted. Sharon Osborne had a brief look of… what? She really wanted Eli to win. But, then again, Neal is a brilliant young talent, just as is Eli. They are all winners. Eli had stepped off stage, and Jeanne, Mary, David, Sara, Jacob and I all rushed over and hugged our Piano Man.

Eli's manager, Nigel, was there too; he really wanted Eli to win, and his face showed that desire, that need; but, he said, "Eli is a very gifted and amazing person, he'll do fine."

And then Neal Boyd sang, and the beauty and wonder of his voice filled our ears. We are so happy for this young man. And then we are all up on the stage with Eli and Neal and the others. The room is a picture of amazing chaos with the red-white-blue confetti falling from above, the lights and AGT music filling the atmosphere, and the huge smiles for those who now see a path down a career road that only months before did not exist.

And now, a new chapter for Eli Mattson begins. Next stop is Las Vegas on October 17 when Neal Boyd will headline, and Eli Mattson will be right there with him.

--- Roger Kuhns, 1 October 2008

Final Performances and New Beginnings

On the high stage, at the white grand, and not wearing his signature hat, Eli Mattson played the powerful Phil Collins' song and put his heart and soul into it.
Even as a minor technical glitch popped in his earpiece, he powered through and owned the song - Take A Look At Me Now! The TOP 5 AGT performers all performed very well. But some rise higher; the votes are in now (we just don't know them until the next show), but they are all winners for getting this far.

Just hours before we were at the entrance to the AGT stage. Eli came by to say hello, and we all encouraged him.

His manager said, "Touch his hair - and you die!" Then smiled at everyone.

We all laughed then, but we knew at that moment Eli would be "hatless" on stage, and later one of the judges, Piers Morgan, would remark that he probably doubled his fan base because we all could see him now.

Meanwhile -pre-show- we all stood around waiting as Eli retreated back into the maze behind the stage to get mentally set for the show. It's all waiting and waiting and waiting. A young actress here for the show was sitting on one of the benches studying an "According To Jim" script. Another couple just sat and held hands and watched the crowd gather. Three of Eli's friends from Wisconsin had just flown in, and they looked very "non- Hollywood". One certainly looked just off the farm - but they've been with Eli through thick and thin. Air conditioning wafts out of the studio door into the hot dry Los Angeles day. The cute blonde at the door nods at us, she recognizes Eli's mom (Jeanne) and offers a warm "Good Luck".

Then one of the other AGT people comes out and gives us the rules again - no cameras, no cell phones, no sitting down. "Show some real big enthusiasm - if you don't I'm sending you back to your car! And - I'll lose my job! So - get into it!"

We do. Soon we're seated in the VIP section, two rows from the front right behind Neal Boyd's supporters. They are great seats, and I can look back and easily watch the judges during the five performances. The audience is loaded with all sorts of people - family, friends, a few groups from the local high schools, and - very importantly - recording company scouts. Rumor has it there are many here, and the guy in front of me looks a little too cool, a little to focused, and he takes notes during the show.

Eli told me, "When I'm up on stage I don't think of what's out there, I'm just so focused on the music - on the song."

Frank (from Street Smarts) fires up the crowd in the pre-show minutes, and during commercial breaks… "Everyone - on your feet and go nuts for Nuttin' But Stringz!" and "This next one is a bit more mellow, go nuts at first then settle down and listen - do what your emotions tell you to do!" and "Make this the biggest and best audience ever for America's Got Talent - can you do that? These five finalists have put up with a lot of stress - show them you love them!" The crowd goes nuts. "That's what I'm talking about," Frank says.

Jerry Springer comes on and they do a few pre-tapes - those intro moments in the show that allow everyone to get set up. "There were 200,000 contestants," Jerry says, "And now we're down to five!"

It's a rushed night because President Bush is speaking about the economy. There are the jokes about Bush from Frank to further lighten up the crowd.

Blur…. The show is on - the acts come out one by one. Energy of the Nuttin' But Stringz brothers, show style of Donald Braswell, the power and gift of Neal E. Boyd. Between each act the stage crew swarms the stage, moves sets around, ushers back up musicians to their spots, and check all the microphones and lights. The promo starts after the commercial - those brief taped moments, and then as the last stage hand runs off stage we are live again.

Eli Mattson takes the stage. Eli does his thing. Jeanne (mom), Mary (sister), Jacob (brother), uncles (Dave & Roger), aunts (Sara & Maryke), friends (Pam, Steve, and others) are all in a row. The floor camera is totally focused on Jeanne as Eli hits the first note of the Phil Collins song. We are tense, excited, relieved, joyful, expectant, and sweating! This is great. The piano sings; Eli lets his natural emotions flow through the lyrics… Take - A - Look - At - Me - Now! The metaphors abound at this moment. It is not just a song. It is a life… a lifetime. I look at Jeanne - she is crying with joy. Then…

The crowd erupts. David Hasselhoff holds out his arms asking the crowd to quiet down - we are on a tight 45-minute schedule because of the President's 15-minute speech before the show. No time to waste, say the judges. Then…

"How do you think you did?" Asks Piers Morgan. But Piers likes Eli's ownership of the song, the consistent high-quality talent.

Sharon Osborne loves this talent that is Eli Mattson. She says, "You've got the talent, heart, commitment, youth and you write your own songs. You are a great representative for AGT across America and the World."

David Hasselhoff says, "Eli - you're real -Take a look at me now!"

Cut to commercial. Stagehands swarm like ants to prepare the place for Queen Emily. But as Eli is about to walk off, he stops, turns and walks back to the lip of the stage. Hat in hand he waves to one of the young girls in the first row. She is still standing, and is like a deer in headlights as Eli signals here. "Here," he says, "This is for you." And he tosses her his hat. She's so stunned she can't even catch it. Eli just smiles, and thanks her for listening. He leaves the stage.

The Motown soul finds Queen Emily; and we are all on our feet again. But soon the show is over. The AGT people need a few more pre-show tapings for the West Coast airing, since the East and Midwest were live. We stick around, but then file out. I see Eli in the dressing room corridors and wave - his smile is huge. He looks so relieved and exhausted.

I walk out into the night with friends and family. David Hasselhoff is there. I thank him for his kind words about Eli. Hasselhoff says, "Hey, man, Eli is real, he is such a great entertainer, he's going far."

Soon, after the slow exit from the parking ramp and the traffic congestion, all of us are back at the Sheraton Hotel. The big screen TV is up. We've ordered a pile of pizzas, the bar staff is attentive. Deana the blonde night waitress says, "I know you guys, I'll just start a tab. I can't wait to see how Eli did! How did he do?" Really good, we say.

The show is on. This is a fascinating time. Neal Boyd takes his center seat, Eli is on the couch - we all crowd around to watch. The table is cluttered with all manor of drinks and types of pizza. The Sheraton staff brings a celebratory chocolate cake to the table and thanks the finalists for being here. The show rolls on, and the finalists watch themselves. I watch their faces. As Neal Boyd watches his performance he lets out a yelp of satisfaction when he hit that high-C note. Then Eli's performance…

Eli Mattson is next to his mom, Jeanne, and watches himself on the screen with critical eyes. He can see the subtle imperfections that he wants to eliminate. As a musician he wants the best performances all the time. He glances over and says, "Well, that was intense!"

This is a phenomenon in the entertainment business. There are so many moments of opportunity, potential success, and luck. It is hard to compare all the complex permutations of success - and how it is achieved. These finalists will find out who has been voted "Number One" next week, but for now they are immersed in the flood of the moment - a flood that few can really relate to; and they all know these are really only the first steps of a potentially long career.

We are spent from the energy we've put into all of this. But we are recharging all the time from the human interactions all around us. For this family of Eli's is truly an extended family. We have been with him his whole life, and in his way, he for us. It is a thing that must be understood in these businesses that can take such a toll on young performers. To see the brothers in Nuttin' But Stringz, or the togetherness of the Traub Family, Neal Boyd with his nephew on his lap, and all of Donald Braswell's kids lined up in front of the big screen TV watching their dad perform - living his dream - these are precious and important foundations that can give reason amid chaos, purpose amid indecision, and balance in moments of turbulence. There is a great respect in this late night room for these finalists.

--- Roger Kuhns, 25 Sept. 2008

The Top Five...

In Universal City, in the hotel lobby bar, waiting. Waiting and talking with Eli Mattson and Neal Boyd. The two tremendous performers from "Nuttin' But Strings" walk by; Eli takes a moment to chat with one of them. They talk music. It's all about music and performance. Eli has been working on the song for tonight. He's tired and wired.

"Wait 'til you hear this!" He says, and smiles, as he talks about todays up-coming show. In just a few hours we'll be back at the studio, and waiting for him to come out on stage. There is so much to talk about...we are wired too; we are at the edge of our seats - no, we are on our feet - we are all floating! Eli on stage again. Wait 'til you hear this!

---Roger Kuhns, 24 Sept. 2008

A Day In This New and Unusual Life

There are many days that make up this life of Eli Mattson. These days are focused and intense, and he realizes these are new days – that every climb leads to another view of the mountain top. It takes awhile to get there. The next mountain, after AGT, is getting a new CD out and hopefully a hit song.

But that’s soon enough. Now, though, he works. Jeanne Kuhns, Eli’s mom, reports that Eli is busy. She said, “I am here to support my son, I may see him only 5 minutes a day some days, but in that 5 minutes I transfer all the love and strength and soul I can. In between shows Eli and the other contestants work long days, they are choosing and arranging their songs and productions. They have to go thru staging, lighting, interviews, vocal coaching; long periods of waiting at the studio to get to their rehearsals. They are 12-hour days. Eli hasn’t had a day off in a long time, and he is elated with how things are going but tired, the emotional roller coaster is costly! Many became sick, all are stressed; all are trying to stay at the top of their game.”

Jeanne has a unique view. She raised the piano man, she sat next to him as he practiced the piano when he was young, and encouraged and lifted and believed and prayed for the good road to be found by her musician son. She sees all the competitors here, and notes, “These competitors have been working side by side since March, they are, as Eli says, on the longest interview of their lives. The [AGT] elimination show when they cut down from 20 to 10 acts was emotionally confusing. People they had gotten close to were devastated and going home, those going on paid their respects by not celebrating that night, they just all talked and offered congratulations or condolences as was appropriate. It felt empty the next day when they left, but the top ten were supercharged with purpose.”

Jeanne said, “This Wednesday, I talked with Eli as he was on his way to the set, make up on at 8:30 am, then wait, costume up, wait, run thru your song, wait, wait, wait, wait. He sounded sure and strong this week, felt good about the song, looking forward to performing, but with that edgy nervousness that makes the stomach flutter.”

We have seen how many of the parents and friends who attend the show become stressed and really get caught up in the tension. Jeanne said, “Breathe we keep saying, act calm when Eli steps out for a smoke, give him good hugs and infuse love into his being. We know he is already a winner for getting this far!”

How far can a contestant go? But Eli, to us, is not just a contestant. He is a son, or a nephew, or a brother or a grandson, or a dear friend. We believe he deserves to go on because we have seen his spirit, his tenacity, his core belief that he was born to music, and music he must do. Then we are back in the audience. Jeanne said, “They “load us in” two and a half hours before the show to assigned seats. I like being in the front row, but today I’m far to the right of center stage, what does it mean if they put me so far away? Where is he in the line up tonight, we don’t know till show time!”

And the show is a show – there is audience warm up, there are cues, there is the etiquette of television. Jeanne said, “We are instructed how to be a loud and appreciative audience, be supportive of every act and react how you really feel when the judges talk. The show starts, it is exhausting watching the other acts: we jump up, sit down, jump up, sit down. We show our support for these fine performers who all have stories and dreams as interesting as Eli’s. Finally it is Eli’s turn, they set up the piano on the commercial break. I’m am holding my breath, holding my brothers hand, Jerry Springer steps out, 10, 9,8……..‘and now Eli Mattson from Door County!!!!’ The crowd hushes, his piano rings beautifully and with the first three words out of his mouth, I know he has the song, owns the song, and is in the zone. I’m crying, and of course when he finishes I’m screaming!!”

We only need to hear that first note to know if Eli is “on” the song. That note conveys to us his mindset, his psychology; his confidence. We have been listening to thousands of sets over more than eight years, and we know what to listen for.

Jeanne was as stunned as Eli when she heard Sharon Osborne tell Eli that his hero, Elton John, had listened to his performance. Jeanne said, “Oh Lordy, Sir Elton was watching tonight!!” And with that the audience files out. We can’t see Eli – he’s back stage. Jeanne said, “We all go back to the hotel to watch the show on TV, it looks different seeing close ups and camera angels. The contestants stay behind for interviews, and instructions but straggle in exhausted and exhilarated to watch the show with everyone in the lobby of the hotel they are staying at. They are evaluating their performance, measuring how well they did against others, patting each other on the back. Some are crying, some feel tentatively good, no one feels sure about their standing for the results show the next day.”

Jeanne said, “No one sleeps. We now know that Eli made it thru, it was tense, super tense right up till the very end of the results show!!!!”

Even with our faith in Eli Mattson’s natural and learned talent, in his poise and presentation, in his piano playing and singing, we do not know how this will turn out. Eli and his mom are so thankful to the fans voting for him. She has always believed Eli was a winner, and now she is watching his time unfold before her eyes. It is the gift from a son who has traveled a long, hard road. We know that winning is great, but American has now “discovered” Eli Mattson, and that is a tremendous happening.

--- Roger Kuhns, 22 Sept 2008

ELI MATTSON - TOP 5

Eli Mattson sang an Elton John song and made it his own, and Sharon Osborne said, "Eli, I know for a fact he (Elton) was listening."
Eli's face reflected the awe and shock and unbelievable appreciation in the knowledge that one of his heros, Elton John, had heard him sing.
From the front row with Jeanne Kuhns (Eli's Mom) and Eli's uncle, and all the people supporting him there and around the world - good vibes were flowing in to that musical space. Thanks to you the fans and friends he has ascended to the Top 5 of this incredible AGT happening.
In Sturgeon Bay (Door County) Wisconsin a gathering at The Ladderhouse on Third Avenue was sponsored by The Lodge (106.9FM) Radio Station to cheer Eli on during the show. This is a "local boy makes good" story, and many of these people have been listening to Eli's small local shows for years. There is great joy that the music of this new generation's piano man is now being heard far and wide.

--- Roger Kuhns, 18-Sept-2008

And now we wait for... The TOP FIVE FINALS THIS WEEK

When Simon Cowell said this years group of performers has one of the best he's ever seen on the show, well who is that person? But consider this - these Top 10 finalists are very skilled performers, and in their own right should now be able to launch a substantial career. There shouldn't be any one in the Top 10 who can't do that. Our own Piano Man Eli Mattson has so many original songs to sing to the world, and he is chomping at the bit to do so. As his family and friends gather in Door County to watch the show, as his Mom and uncles cheer him on from the AGT floor, we only have one wish - "Eli - sing!"
Part of the great emotion in all of this is when a good and fast friend in the Top 20 or Top 10 doesn't make the next cut. Many of these performers bond so quickly because of the shared goals and uniqueness of their situation. You saw that in ELi's face last week when Sarah Lenore didn't make it through. But her career, like the others, is already on the rise.
And now, this week, we get one step closer to what the show sees as a finale. It will (is) certainly exciting. Let's watch!

---Roger Kuhns, 15 Sept. 2008

Eli Mattson Makes The TOP 10 on America's Got Talent!!!

The tension and hopes and fears... knowing you're going to say goodbye to friends, and knowing you may be chosen for loftier opportunities. But in all the votes cast by America - all of you fans, Eli Mattson has come to the Top Ten with his friend Neal Boyd. Those who didn't make it will hopefully grow their careers other ways, and will perhaps cross paths during the many performances the finalists will have in the years to come.

Reaching for the Top Ten

Eli Mattson tested his range on September 10 with an Alicia Keys song - a big song, and he pushed it and it sounded good. But his fingers also coaxed magic from the piano - so much so that David Hasselhoff said, "You are the piano man!"

Eli Mattson, from Door County, Wisconsin, is in this big show. America's Got Talent is a SHOW, and as Jerry Springer said, "This is exactly what television should be."

This SHOW is Hollywood, it is Vegas; it is Broadway for the unknowns. What is fascinating about this SHOW is the great diversity of people with talent, tenacity, temperament, and the great variety of taste, and the spanning of ages. It is show business at its best because it draws upon the masses - this select group of talent has come from hundreds of thousands of people, from thousands of auditions, from dozens of semi-finalists. It is the true winnowing of those with the gift, either natural or learned, and those with the heart.

Eli Mattson is a professional; he lives for the music. He breathes for it. His songs are from the heart and soul and resonance of emotion and purpose.

Piers Morgan said, "If every one of the singers here had an album out now, I would buy yours first."

That says it all - the judge wants to listen. So do we.

---Roger Kuhns, 10 Sept. 2008

ELI HAS MADE IT TO THE TOP TWENTY!
Neal Boyd and Eli Mattson - fast friends in the AGT life experience, have made it to the top 20 and are singing this week. Eli's mom is there with help from her family, and Neal's mom was able to make it with help from her home town. Neal's song, about mothers, really brought the music to our hearts. Thanks Neal. Eli sings tonight.

Roller Coaster

Eli Mattson had a grand night at the grand piano on AGT Wednesday night (Sept.3,08). Everyone is feeling good about his performance.

The crowd went wild, and the judges - Piers Morgan & Sharon Osborne & David Hasselhoff - all responded so positively, saying it was refreshing amid all the fire and production to see just Eli and his piano - the talent as it is. Next week we find out how America voted!

The whole gang before the show where Eli sang Kevin Sharp's song "Nobody Knows".

R-to-L: fan Sheri, Aunt Maryke, Roger (fmr mgr) Kuhns, Jeanne "mom" Kuhns, David Kuhns, sister Marybeth, and close friend Deb.

The show is high energy, filled with expectations and hope, and the judges, Piers, Sharon and David, have to critically assess a performance amid near pandemonium as the audience cheers or boos or just goes nuts. Diverse acts from a Tapping Dads to Fire Man to singers, and all ages from a 4-year old to a grandfatherly Frank Sinatra singer. In it all Eli Mattson went up there and did his thing. With the first note from the piano it was clear that the song would be rich and expressive; Eli did not disappoint the audience.

Eli and Roger chat about the music.

It is a wild ride leading up to and performing in these shows. Eli said, "Up and down - an emotional roller coaster." The days are filled with rehearsals, waiting, preparation, and forging friendships. They see friends voted off the show, and there are hugs and somber moments. But those who are chosen to continue carry on like professionals. Friends and family are there too offering support. And the roller coaster tracks up another steep slope… the next show is just around the corner.

---Roger Kuhns, Sept. 4, 2008

A Quiet Evening

Where do musicians practice when the piano or guitar is at the set or stage, and other options are limited. Nightly, Eli Mattson finds a piano somewhere in the hotel where he's staying with the other contestants from America's Got Talent. There's one up stairs in the bar, and one in a more secluded place where he can practice by himself. But one night we joined Eli and his new friends Sarah Lenore, the up-and-coming country singer, and Neal Boyd, the opera man. We gathered around the piano, and just listened as the three of them harmonized, and picked through familiar melodies - just to have fun.

Eli Mattson and Sarah Lenore sing together.

Eli would say, "You guys know this one?" And he would let his fingers teach the keyboard the melody. All join in, whether it was a rousing rock n roll classic, or Eli's take on an old folk rock tune, or even some original music.

Eli Mattson at the piano.

These are times when Eli, Sarah and Neal contemplate this incredible experience. They sort through their emotions, and go to each other as friends for support and camaraderie. Their life experiences are so different, and that allows each to help and support the other. They all want each of them to do their best. Tears well up in Sarah's eyes sometimes when Eli sings, because she loves his sound. Neal will give him a hug and a smile - like a brother's support. Eli will focus so intently on Neal as he listens to the big man's operatic voice, "He's so amazing." Eli has said.

Eli and Neal have a contemplative moment late at night when even Universal City seems to have quieted down some.

---Roger Kuhns, Sept. 2 2008

A Blues Education

A fourteen-year-old piano player walks into a bar… Sounds like a set up, right? But it's true. The bar was Rosa's Blues Bar in Chicago. The catalyst was Jean Kuhns, Eli's mom.

One late night Eli said to Jean, "Mom, I gotta do something!" It had been hard years for the kid, broken home, a single mom raising her three kids, and wrong directions at school. All Eli wanted to do was play piano.

Jean thought of a place where Eli could see and hear blues musicians practicing their craft, jamming. She drove Eli to Rosa's, and asked if she and her fourteen-year-old piano playing son could sit and watch the players. The guy at the door said, "No way - he's a kid!" Jean argued. Finally he said it'd be okay, but no booze.

Eli sat transfixed, watching these vintage players; these local blues men unravel heartfelt notes from their guitars and bass and harmonica. He listened to the nuance in their gravelly voices, the history, darkness, blackness, love and ache, trials and tribulations - all that makes the blues a roots music, a soulful thing. Eli could see a piano in the corner, an old upright with the battle worn brown varnish and smoke-stained ivory keyboard. Jean could see this. She had spotted the piano right away anyways. Eli let his energy flow a bit in a pool game with his aunt Sara, and Jean took the moment to talk to the lead blues singer.

"I brought my son here to get an education," Jean told the singer.

"What's he play?" The singer asked.

"Piano. He plays piano." Jean said.

"Well, he should sit in with us," the singer said, and went back to playing.

Jean told Eli to sit in with the jam band. "No way, Mom, I can't play with these guys!" he said. "They're amazing!"

Jean said, "Baby, you can't not play with these guys!"

And so he joined in part of the next set; he jammed, he played his young heart out, and the blues guy smiled as Eli's notes wrapped around theirs. Cultural rivers were crossed. The bass player looked over at Eli and gave him a nod. Small tremors shook Chicago that night because of this confluence of a young piano player from a different world mingling with blues history players at Rosa's Blues Bar.

Jean had brought the boy in for an education, and one was had! Eli told his mom, "This is where I am home, on that stage, Mom."

---Roger Kuhns, August 31, 2008

Ready, Set… Jump

Its like standing on the brink of the precipice just before you bungee jump. You check the knots, you check the carabineers. Look down. No, don't look down. Too late, you already did.

You can make it by selling your songs on the street - one gig at a time. He tried that; some success. You can make it by being discovered in a dive bar while playing your best. He tried that; wasn't quite ready. You can make it by having a good A&R contact and get a demo EP listened to. He tried that; deal wasn't on the level. Then this trip to the west coast, to LA. Eli's fans are letting him know what they think. This is a wonderful thing, because sometimes on the stage it can seem lonely - even with the crowds. But there is eye contact, and certainly ear contact. Eli is great at that contact.

Sari in N.Y. writes, " I wish [Eli] all the best. Stay focused and trust the people that care about you, you're lucky to have them."

Addie writes, "I am not a young person, but I am very, very young at heart and known when I see and hear an upcoming exceptional performer such as Eli. He really blessed my heart."

Jenn writes, "He truly is a wonderful artist!"

"He has so much raw talent. It was a matter of time before he made it big." Said Ray.
But Eli is still on the edge of that "BIG". He himself says, "I haven't even begun!"

And that's true. One person, Brian, noted, "I'm a huge fan, his piano playing is just amazing. I also wanted to mention that when Eli says that his music is about how it's hard growing up in today's society, about our generation having to work harder than ever to make it... it's true and I think our generation (I'm 23) can only understand that and this is why his music speaks to his peers like no other artist."

Some people see the other piano pop performers in Eli, but some go further (especially Eli himself, who is influenced by so many angles of music and songwriting).

Said Jon, "How does one describe his rich, soulful voice? To me a wonderful combination of Eddie Cedder and Marc Cohn himself."

From all across America, North America... and across the oceans, people are wanting to connect with Eli's music. Australia and England, Canada and even those in the military overseas. Eli's music is finding you all. This is a magic thing; it is one of the core connections between humans.

Said Victoria in London, "I am hopelessly addicted to his voice!"

Adeleen in N.J. writes, "I know… the world is going to enjoy many, many years of [Eli's] talent."

The music makes sense in many people's lives. Eli has said that people come up to him and just thank him for the music, for moving their hearts, for opening a peaceful moment in their lives. These are good days to be hearing this music (and thanks for writing to and about Eli).

--Roger Kuhns, 21-Aug-08

Interpretation

---Roger J. Kuhns, 5 July 2008

The cover... the song everyone recognizes, it is the basic ingredient for most performers. There are so many great songs out there, and when a performer begins a career, and the audience doesn't know all of his or her songs - then the covers bridge that slim distance from keeping their interest to having an audience turn away. Eli interprets the covers he plays. In this interpretation is his own style, his own signature, that compliments the intent of the songwriter before him. The ability to truely present a new but moving interpretation of a cover song is one of the signs of an artist. This can be the toughest form of song-presentation; we - the audience - hear a familiar song, we expect certain phrasings or notes. A new interpretation challenges us to open our minds to that of the new performer's perspective, insight, emotion and style. Eli Matton is achieving the ability to open our minds as he interprets other's songs. This adds a little bit of magic between his performance of his original music.

The Currency of a Musician's Survival

For a long time Eli Mattson has subsisted on his raw talent. Tips, "a meal for a song", peoples' kindness, the gig-side sales of his early recordings have been his currency. (There is his first EP "First Three", and his first full album "Monsters" (both musicTOears productions), and home-mixes of his newer songs - some with the listing in his own handwriting.) This has taught him a lot about appreciating those who hear his music, appreciate it, love it and seek it out.

Eli is truly sincere about his belief that it's about people and the music within; in that belief he knows that each person is touched differently by a song. There is a reality within each of us that finds its own touchstone, and Eli's music helps us make that linkage. This is part of the magic of his music. This is why emotions surface - just look into the faces of those around you at one of his performances. That is the thing that will last, under the image and youth - which are pretty good too, there is Eli's music.

----Roger J. Kuhns, 29 June 2008

The In Between Time: Eli Mattson Looks Into The Blue Sky

---Roger J. Kuhns, 27 June 2008

For those of you who watched Eli walk out on that Los Angeles stage for America’s Got Talent, you probably saw him look up and out to the audience. There was that look of awe and amazement on his face – a moment’s emotion. Eli walked many roads to get to that moment. Often, with just enough for a bus fare to some place down the road, he’d get on board to the next gig.

Sometimes, when Eli was just a keyboardist in a band, he didn’t make much – or the band didn’t pay him at all. Getting to the next town or the next meal on those wages is tough. Any of you musicians out there know the feeling. Eli’s had an empty stomach many nights, he’s played in the down-and-outs, and the crowded joints, and the places we all stop at along the way for a beer. The thing is it didn’t deter Eli; it fueled him.

Looking out into the dark night, seeing his reflection in a bus window as the miles drift by Eli has paid the dues of lonely times to contemplate what he is all about. As his senses harmonized to the grumble of the bus engine and the quiet conversations of those around him; when his bed was just the worn fabric of the seats on the bus, and when his body said that’s enough – his soul said: No – not yet, there is blue sky up there somewhere. In his heart he never doubted that.

One time someone said to Eli, “When are you gonna get a real job?” He was puzzled by the question. There wasn’t a question – his job, his life, was – is music.

Walking out on the stage this past Tuesday on AGT for millions of people to see him, well, that was the job interviews of all job interviews.

Eli didn’t doubt he’d do what he does. He is just so happy everyone liked him. Wait until you start hearing his original music. Then you’ll start to see the true depth of this young man.

Check out the YouTube videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAU7p_tKIIk
Check out Eli's MySpace site for a few of his original tunes

Eli Mattson Does His Thing on America’s Got Talent

---Roger J. Kuhns, 25 June 2008

He did it! Eli Mattson sang the first verse and refrain of “Walking In Memphis” that killer song by Marc Cohn, and Eli sang it right.

The America’s Got Talent Judges welcomed Eli Mattson as he took the stage.

“What are you going to do for us?” Asked Hasselhoff.

“I’m going to sing Walking In Memphis.” Eli said.

And he did. The judges, Sharon Osborne, David Hasselhoff and Piers Morgan, listened raptly to Eli play the melodic tune on his keyboard and sing the song with a voice that has depth, heart, years and miles, and purpose. Sharon Osborne looked like she might have tears in her eyes – she was that moved. The judges were transfixed as Eli’s performance filled the auditorium in Los Angeles.

From the wings next to Jerry Springer my brother David Kuhns (we are Eli’s uncles) was with Maryke Schmidt (Dave’s partner) to give support right there to Eli.

Maryke said, "I have felt so deeply that he deserves this. There aren't a lot of singers that move me, and Eli moves me." She is not alone in that experience.

(Later, after the show as I talked to David on the phone, he said, “I’ve never seen someone’s dream come true right before my eyes – until this moment; I’m watching Eli’s dream come true.”)

Sharon Osborne said, "Eli, I can not believe that some one like you has not been signed, I don't get it. But you know what, that's why we have this show, so thank God for this show, an thank you for being on it."

David Hasselhoff said, "You remind me of a young Billy Joel, you know why, because you tell a story when you sing and it comes from your heart. But you know what, I can't wait to see what you're gonna bring us back."

Piers Morgan – a thumbs up! "This show's about finding talent, the next great star in America who can take their moment, I think you've just took your moment, you've got talent."

The thousands of people in the audience went absolutely nuts. They were on their feet cheering and clapping and jumping up and down.

From the stage – during the performance – Eli came into his own. This moment was the milestone of a seven year career for the 25 year old. He is his generation’s “Piano Man”, if that honor can be passed on from Billy Joel. Even Hasselhoff said, “Eli, you remind me of a young Billy Joel.” Eli looked out at the audience. When he first came on the stage he held an awed expression as he looked out over the crowds. As he touched the keyboards, ringing that first delicate note of Walking In Memphis, he found his groove. Looking up he connected with all the people in that performance hall – his true sincerity, his years of the road, of the travails of a dreamer – all coming together in this moment.

Late into the night Eli called me. He said, “I did it Roger, I think I did okay.”

No question about that. We talked for a long time about how all the gigs, all the practicing; all the persistence had paid off. We talked about how, after a late night gig, Eli and I would sit and dream a little. We both knew he’d get his break, but we just didn’t know when or how. “This was it – the break we were always working towards,” Eli said to me last night. Eli has never had a "Plan B", it has and will always be MUSIC. This is what he was born to do. We are all thankful for all the people who have and are helping him on this journey.

On the internet traffic Eli is being called the “soulful drifter”

Now that soulful drifter is touching the hearts and souls of millions of people!

Eli Mattson's Big Break

As we roll through this first decade of this new century, Eli Mattson has followed the music road completely. His grass roots start was as a kid playing piano for tips in coffee shops, street fairs, small venues, and any show he could get into. Eli is a great and dear friend, the son of my sister Jeanne, and one of the most talented young musicians I've ever seen. His talent is innate; gift-given, but honed from the road. He's played the coffee shops, the small theaters and concerts, the bars and pubs, the road-worn dives across middle America. Eli has tried the solo route, the band gigs, and various home- spun, earthy collaborations with friends and fellow musicians. Now, after the bands, after he and I produced his first CD "Monsters", after a stint in New York and some MTV air, and the road, and Chicago... well, he's on TV now. America's Got Talent is airing commercials featuring Eli for a show on June 24, 2008.

I remember the first song Eli wrote. It was "Baby Doll". I had been working in Africa for a number of years and hadn't seen Eli much. But I was at his mom's, and there Eli was - picking out wonderful and complex melodies on the old piano in the living room. I sat next to him and asked if he'd written anything. "No, not yet - nothing finished." Eli said. So I asked if he could write a pop song. He wasn't sure, but in his heart he'd already had it living there - like a live thing, just waiting to come out. I said I'd be back in a few weeks and could he try to write three pop songs. Eli said he'd give it a try.

Upon my return Eli was all charged up. He said, "Roger I think I've got it." Eli sat down and played three original compositions. His fingers were one with the piano keys. Sometimes he urged the piano to speak, other times he almost attacked it - emotion in every chord, in every note - and resonnance... I sat and listened to these three songs, and said, "We gotta record these!" A few weeks later we were in a small Green Bay Wisconsin recording studio and cut the three songs. It was late in the day when we emerged from the studio with a CD in hand. Eli named it "First Three". We sat in the car, put the CD in the deck, and listened to his songs over the car speakers - like he was on the radio. Eli was flying. His smile, his enthusiasm, his talent, his drive - this is why music is. Eli was born to do this.

Eli and I decided to work together, and that lead to an amazing few years. One year I booked over 220 gigs for Eli. These were small things mostly, coffee houses, small theaters, street fairs, clubs, and the like. I'd do the PR from my Apple computer and Honda Civic, and print off color posters at a local print shop, then get him on the local radio stations, like WBDK in Sturgeon Bay. Next, getting Eli to the gigs, I'd set up the patched together sound system, run sound and maybe lights if it was at night, and sell the "First Three" demo and make sure the small crowds got a great show. Eli always delivered the music. His natural ability to communicate and perform led all we did.

I recall one gig at a small coffee house in Fish Creek Wisconsin. The performance space was in the back by a picture window that looked over the harber (Green Bay, part of Lake Michigan). The coffee house is now the Blue Horse. I set up the gig, and Eli started playing. No one was in the coffee house. So I opened the doors and walked out in the street and started handing out postcards of Eli. I could see people across the street stop mid-stride and try to figure out where this incredible music was coming from. They gravitated to the coffee shop. Soon the place was packed. Eli, now with a crowd, rose to the new challenge. His deep, emotional, textured voice that had age and history in it - all coming from a young man - stunned and awed this impromptu crowd. I could hear people going back outside and calling to their friends, "Hey - you gotta hear this guy!" Andother people saying, "You'd never believe that kid has a voice like that!"

I have traveled all around the world many times. I've seen the best and worse of humanity. cherish the ecology and humanity of the planet. I know that music helps us through it all. I know that Eli Mattson is here for a reason - he is a new Piano Man, he is a new music poet. Eli touches the deep emotions in people because of his ability to communicate through the vibrating strings so struck by a piano key and the heartfelt words of his heart.

And now - I can only smile. I can only give him all the support he needs for his path is a much awaited up-hill climb into the very World of Music. Just stand up and listen to this kid. You'll never be disappointed.

----- Roger J. Kuhns, Philadelphia, 10 June 2008

Eli's music is on the WRKU 102.1FM and WDOR 93.9 radio stations playlists in Door County.

Eli notes...2002
Roger Kuhns

It has been a long time coming - it seems like several musical lifetimes. But Eli Mattson got into the recording studio in Milwaukee Wisconsin and cut his first full length recording.

WHY "MONSTERS"? Eli titled the CD, and there are hints of the challenges of youth, the trials and tribulations that face young people in this day and age. There are monsters out there; and the cover - a contemplative Eli staring out at you as he leans on his piano. What can you read in his eyes? What can you hear in his songs? The tracks are a journey in of themselves, from striving to succeed with the deck stacked against you, to love and loss, and looking for the paths that allow you to remain sane. Eli is a young singer-songwriter with the poet's pen and the composer's ear.

Eli collaborated with writer/rapper Alex Sowinski on "Are You There" - a moving dialogue about the loss of a friend. Eli also put his unique style to two of Roger Kuhns' compositions, "Blue Ocean" and "Morning Of". But Eli has clearly demonstrated the strength of his own compositions, and leads the listener through powerful pop melodic journeys laced with heart-felt, true to the soul words.

"I see you smile, I see your eyes. I don't understand, I can't figure out why? I fell so hard I fell so fast, over you, over you..." - Eli Mattson

The CD Release Concert was held at the "Fish Stock" in Door County, Wisconsin. "Fish Stock" is something like a small Woodstock, but a stones throw from Lake Michigan and inundated with local musical talent, country atmosphere, and a big barn full of music. The place was packed, with Eli's recording band keeping the many hundreds of fans on their feet. Eli Mattson on keyboards and vocals, Joey Zak on drums, Jamie Sodd on guitar, Miguel MaChado on soprano saxophone.

"Never did I wonder, never did I really want to know. Never could I conquer all my fears of just being let go. And would you ever tell me, would you ever come right out and say that you really need me? You know I think you just might feel that way....so would you smile at all for me?" - Eli Mattson

Click Here for other ELI MATTSON interviews by Roger Kuhns

Eli Mattson: The new piano man
Interview for Door County Compass

By Roger J. Kuhns - August 14, 2001