Article Contributed by Doug Deutsch
Published on February 2, 2026
Photo: Courtesy of Ruf Records
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry returns with his new album ONE FOR THE RIDE, a dynamic and heartfelt collection that showcases the full range of his musicianship — from fiery, virtuosic guitar work to intimate, emotionally rich songwriting. The album explores life on the road, love celebration, personal reflection, and Americana storytelling, all delivered with Curry’s signature depth and gritty authenticity.
Born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois, Curry 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, Matthew has toured with major icons including the Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton, Journey, and Don Felder, with Steve Miller praising Curry as “a wonderful guitar player and great songwriter in the league of Stevie Ray Vaughan.”
One For The Ride captures Curry’s life on the road, his love for storytelling, and the musical influences that shaped him. The album bursts open with high-energy southern rock flair, drawing inspiration from the raw spirit of bands like ZZ Top and the timeless road-song tradition. Tracks like “Rum Stumblin’” showcase Curry’s knack for crafting fun, bluesy, party-driven grooves, while “Born Behind The Wheel” leans into gritty riffs and harmonies rooted in the southern rock Curry grew up listening to.
The album also reveals Curry’s softer, more personal side. “Dancing In The Kitchen” brings warm acoustic charm and was inspired by a spontaneous anniversary moment at home. “Rather Float A River” blends blues, funk, country, and Americana, echoing Curry’s love for the outdoors and the soulful ease of life on the water. Rounding out One For The Ride: a fiery take on “Whiskey Rock a Roller,” the only cover on the record — a heartfelt tribute to Curry’s admiration for Lynyrd Skynyrd and the classic rock lineage that continues to inspire him.
For more information, please visit matthewcurry.com.
Ruf Records Drops One For The Ride, New Album By Matthew Curry
Release Date: February 27, 2026
Pre-Order / Streaming Link: save-it.cc/ruf-records/one-for-the-ride
“A wonderful guitar player and great songwriter” – Steve Miller
“Curry is the next guitar hero” – Peter Frampton
Track List (CD)
001 Rum Stumblin’ 04:16
002 Born Behind The Wheel 04:12
003 Barely Livin’ 03:50
004 Dancing In The Kitchen 04:17
005 Ballad Of Jesse Ed Davis 04:35
006 Don’t Be A Stranger 03:34
007 Rather Float A River 04:28
008 Whiskey Rock a Roller 04:18
009 Brand New Day 04:28
010 The Rambling Kind 06:16