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Jazz Articles about Matthew Whitaker
About Matthew Whitaker
Instrument: Organ, Hammond B3
Matthew Whitaker: On their shoulders, An organ tribute
by Ngwako Malakalaka
At 23 years old, Matthew Whitaker is called a “genius" by Jon Batiste, and is internationally recognized more for his prodigious talents and inspirational story. On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute is a soulful, seven-track shout-out to the Hammond B-3 organ pioneers who paved the way for him including Jimmy Smith, Charles Earland, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Joey DeFrancesco. Matthew stopped by “The K Jazz Show" to tell us all about it and we also got to explore his upbringing ...
Continue ReadingAlbert Tootie Heath, Nick Finzer, Noah Haidu & Matthew Whitaker
by Joe Dimino
We kick off the 851st Episode of Neon Jazz with the brilliance and prowess of pianist Matthew Whitaker and music from his forthcoming album. From there, we get into a host of tunes from the Kandace Springs, Rachel Z, Dave Bass, Queen Esther, Leigh Pilzer and Noah Haidu. Talented singer Hyeonseon Baek makes his debut on Neon Jazz and he is wonderful. Finally, we say goodbye to the great Albert 'Tootie' Heath. Dig the jazz, my friends. Playlist ...
Continue ReadingMatthew Whitaker: Connections
by La-Faithia White
Multi-instrumentalist Matthew Whitaker opens up and shares some personal moments on Connections. The journey begins with the light, suave “Journey Uptown." The tune grabs attention right away with an energetic upbeat feel which takes one on a magical journey of percussion and piano. “Bye-Ya" features Jon Batiste on piano. Written by Thelonious Monk, Batiste and Whitaker display their talents on piano and other keyboards. The sound is theatrical and has an Art Tatumish feel. “Stop Fighting" has ...
Continue ReadingMatthew Whitaker, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Squirrel Nut Zippers and More
by Joe Dimino
This week we caught up with young pianist Matthew Whitaker who was in our studios. In this episode we also feature clips from the February 2020 Kansas City shows of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and The Squirrel Nut Zippers. We also spoke with both Ron Burris and Sam Hirsh and showcase their new music. Thanks for listening. Playlist Matthew Whitaker “Tranquility" Now Hear This (Resilience Music) 00:00 Host talks 5:54 Cory Henry “Giant Steps" The Revival (GroundUp ...
Continue ReadingMatthew Whitaker: A New Voice On Jazz Piano
by La-Faithia White
Matthew Whitaker is an American jazz pianist. Blind since birth, he has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and The Apollo Theatre, where aged ten, he opened for Stevie Wonder. Though he is only eighteen years old, multi instrumentalist Whitaker has come a long way to get where he is today, overcoming adversity and dedicating countless hours to honing his craft. Now with his declarative label debut Now Hear This (Resilience Music, 2019), ...
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