Matthew L. Sluder

May 11, 1959 ~ October 4, 2006

While we are devastated at his unexpected passing and will miss his physical presence in our lives, we are grateful for his friendship, his polite gentle nature and the enjoyment he provided us thru his talents, both vocally and on guitar! Matt was a gifted guitarist and songwriter, playing professionally for over 20 years, who was well known throughout the Southeast . After attending Berklee School of Music in Boston, where he was a regular member of the Dean's List, Matt returned home to NC and played in several bands over the years . Among the local bands with whom he played were Helix, Richochet, RPM, Dixie Deluxe, ( which recorded a CD with legendary Eagles producer Bill Szymezyk), Crystal Zoo, Next Exit, Hollywood Brats and most recently with the Caribbean Cowboys . With his soulful vocals and guitar, Matt played an integral part in the Caribbean Cowboys Band for over ten years .Matt taught guitar to many students over the years . He moved to Nashville, Tennessee on two occasions to further his career, playing back up to many well-known musicians and creating his own band, Satisfied Minds, which included members of Paul Rodgers Band as well as Earl Thomas Conley’s Band. Matt worked as a guitar instructor, songwriter and had extensive studio and stage experience, mixing his love of rock, blues, jazz and country into a tasteful mix of guitar styles . His dedication to his talent and his commitment to musical perfection and his job will never be forgotten . We are so grateful that he got to experience going “Down to the Islands” even though it was long after he wrote of what he imagined it would be . He now knows and commented often, that it truly was the best thing he had ever done .  Those lyrics and notes will be cherished! We are grateful we have those recordings to remind us of such a great person and to take us Down to the Islands, and to the Best Show in Town …

Matt was a loving and gentle spirit who will be sorely missed by his family, friends and fans .

Sail on Matthew “Slide Guitar” Sluder! We loved you dearly ~ you and your Caribbean soul will be forever in our hearts!

Peace,

Steve, Gail and all the Caribbean Cowboys

The Caribbean Cowboys Band

Rick Phillips, Jack Nitterauer, Matt Sluder & Steve Weams

At Margaritaville	Opening for Dr. Hook	WCU Events
Charleston, SC	Sylva, NC	Cullowhee, NC

“Suzannah” with Peter Mayer	Cheeseburger in Paradise
At Smokey Shadows Lodge, Maggie Valley, NC	Asheville, NC

Jummbies @ Leverick Bay , BVI	Pirate’s Bite Norman Island

The Jolly Roger Tortola, BVI	Foxy’s Yost Van Dyke, BVI	The Last Resort, Trellis Bay, BVI
Down to the Islands	Matt with Steve, Skip Lilly and Aaron LaFalce	April 2006

“What a great guy he was and is in my memory. Very talented dude. My prayers are with his family and I have fond memories of playing Suzannah with him at Smokey Shadows. Best regards to Steve and all "the friends”.

-Peter Mayer

“I only got to 'talk shop' with Matt the last few times we played together at the Island Fever shows, but he sure was a great communicator; willing to share everything he knew on how to get certain sounds, rig set-ups, etc . As a player, I have seldom seen anyone so riveting and at the same time so at ease on a stage . Please extend my/our condolences to his family, Steve, I'll never forget him . . .”

-Charlie Atwell, Coconut Groove Band

“I am so sorry to hear about Matt! He truly was a gentle Man and an amazingly talented musician”

-Mary Fisher

“Mary and I are sorry and saddened to learn this news .  I feel very fortunate to have had several occasions to witness the wonderful gift and talent Matt had with music”

-Bob & Mary Sitton

“Matt was such a genuine person with a gentle soul . We will miss him and his music dearly”

-Ken & Susan Morris

“I am sending my deepest condolences to you and the rest of the band for the loss of our musical brother, Matt . My heart breaks for you and with you for such an incredible loss of musical talent and human heart”

-Nancy (Burns) Jones

“His talent will be greatly missed in the music community”

-Charlotte & Bill Wright

“Wilson and I are heartsick to hear of the passing of the great musical talent of Matt Sluder”

-Wilson & Jane Dillard

“We are devastated by his passing . He was a kind and caring man . We always enjoyed being with him”

-Karen & Joe Martin

… Let’s go down to the islands, let’s go down to the sea . Let’s go down to the islands, where the wind, water and sun are always free…” from Down to the Islands by Matt Sluder