Jazz Articles about Matt Turner

Matt Turner: Crushed Smoke

by Glenn Astarita
July 1, 2001

Wisconsin-based cellist Matt Turner is apt to stretch his instrument of choice to the far-reaching limits of time, space, and practicality, whether performing in rock, jazz, or contemporary classical frameworks. With Crushed Smoke, the artist opts for the solo route via his acoustic and Yamaha electric cellos. Essentially, Turner serves up a series of mind-bending improvisations amid a cornucopia of variegated motifs throughout these fifteen cleverly articulated performances.

The cellist mimics what appear to be animal sounds or perhaps a ...

Matt Turner & Chum: Never, Never Now

by Glenn Astarita
January 1, 2000

Cellist Matt Turner is a rather worldly and altogether complete musician who is equally adept at performing solo recitals, jazz, free-improv or supporting singer-songwriter Kitty Brazelton on her excellent 1999 release, “Love Not Love Lust Not Love”. Here, Turner along with monster bassist-solo artist Jeff Song and rock solid drummer John Mettam engage in a bit of psychedelic avante-garde-rock on Never, Never Now. “Matt Turner and Chum” are perhaps the wildest rock orientated cello-bass-drums trio you are likely to hear ...

Matt Turner: The Mouse That Roared

by AAJ Staff
September 1, 1999

Right at the top, it goes for the throat: the bowing is muscular, and miles from serene. Matt Turner paints a grainy theme, full of tension: the low string grunts, the others respond. At times there’s a peaceful excursion, one string musing in violin range – and soon we return to unison vigor. It’s improvised with the feel of ‘20s avant-garde; bending traditions with a sense of order. The audience appreciates, and so do I. That’s just a taste; the ...