Matana Roberts
Matana Roberts is a dynamic saxophonist, composer and improviser, who tries to expose in her music the mystical roots and spiritual traditions of African American creative expression.
A Chicago native, she was fortunate enough to be surrounded by elder musicians who showed her by distinct example the importance of listening to one's personal creative voice while at the same time using the profound and many layered traditions of jazz and improvised musics to act only as her creative guide, not as her creative definer. By using their mentorship, she has been able to craft a voice and creative focus that truly speaks to her own true artistic individuality. She feels strongly that her music should not only reflect the many colors and moods of universal human emotions, but that it should also testify, critique, document, and respond to the many socio-economic, historical, and cultural inequalities that exist not only in this country, but all over the world.
Her second recording collaboration with bassist Joshua Abrams and drummer/ percussionist Chad Taylor - known as sticks&stones was released to critical acclaim on Thrill Jockey records in June of 2004.( www.thrilljockey.com)
She has played alongside such musical luminaries as Steve Lacy, Eugene Chadbourne,Hery Grimes, Hannah Marcus, Fred Anderson, Nicole Mitchell, Jeff Parker, Robert Barry, Joe Maneri, Miya Masaoka, Vijay Iyer, David Boykins, and Ralph Alessi.
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Album Review
- The Chicago Project by Troy Collins
Extended Analysis
Album Review
- The Chicago Project by Matthew Miller
Multiple Reviews
Album Review
- Sticks And Stones by Mark Corroto
April 30, 2014
New England Conservatory Jazz Alumna Matana Roberts Receives Doris Duke...
June 28, 2011
The Jazz Session #286: Matana Roberts
May 20, 2011
Matana Roberts - Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens de Couleur Libre...
May 12, 2011
Matana Roberts - Live in London (2011)
October 12, 2010
UCC Concert Series presents Matana Roberts, Han-earl Park and Mark...
May 05, 2009
Ars Nova Workshop Presents: Peter Brotzmann/Nasheet Waits, Offonoff,...
July 09, 2008
Ten Questions with Matana Roberts
February 09, 2008
Matana Roberts, Chicago Project
November 06, 2007
Saxophone Maven Matana Roberts Releases the Chicago Project on Central...