I went to see Matt Park playing with the Mystery Jets last night in Cardiff. Great band and Matt really complemented the music on steel. He plays a load of instruments (guitar, keyboards and percussion) as well as steel, so there is plenty of variety in the sound. No hint of country, which made his playing all the more remarkable. I love all kinds of music, including country, but it was refreshing and heartening to hear the steel being played in a very different context. With up and coming players like this, the future of the instrument is assured. If you are open to different kinds of music -- in this case, the "indie" sound -- I recommend you try to see this band on tour now.
Matt very kindly put me on the guest list, but unfortunately I didn't get to meet him as I had to leave before the end. Hopefully, I'll be more organised next time. And by sheer coincidence, b0b posted an item about Matt and the Mystery Jets on the US SGF just as I was about to go out the door. How weird is that?
Chris