Matt Panayides

Matt Panayides is a jazz guitarist and composer based in the New York City area whose music blends lyrical improvisation, dynamic interplay, and deeply expressive original compositions. Drawing inspiration from guitar greats like Jim Hall, John Scofield, Wes Montgomery, and Joni Mitchell, he has developed a distinctive voice that balances melodic sensitivity with harmonic sophistication. Panayides is a regular presence on the New York jazz scene, leading his own groups and collaborating with many of the city’s top musicians.

His discography includes several acclaimed recordings on the Pacific Coast Jazz label, including Field Theory (2021), Conduits (2015), and Tapestries of Song (2011), as well as the trio album With Eyes Closed (2024) featuring bassist Steve LaSpina and drummer Anthony Pinciotti. His latest project, Present Echoes (forthcoming in 2026), showcases new original music for quartet with Rich Perry on tenor saxophone, Steve LaSpina on bass, and Mark Ferber on drums, exploring themes of reflection, resistance, and renewal.

Panayides has performed widely across the United States and abroad, appearing at renowned venues such as Smalls Jazz Club, Birdland, and Rudy’s Jazz Room in Nashville. Known for his commitment to storytelling through music and a nuanced approach to improvisation, he continues to push the boundaries of modern jazz while honoring the tradition that shapes his sound.

Matt Panayides: With Eyes Closed

Read "With Eyes Closed" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci

by Richard J Salvucci
February 10, 2025

This is a charming recording: reflective, tranquil and built around the compositions of some of the most distinguished players and composers of what ought to be called the American Jazz Songbook. Here you have music written by Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw, Cedar Walton and Chick Corea, to name only the figures in one strain. If taste runs to Jimmy van Huesen, Frank Foster, Henry Mancini, or Jules Stein, well, that is more than adequately covered. Pianoless trios are ...

Album Review

Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra: Things Will Pass

Read "Things Will Pass" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
October 29, 2024

There are a handful of things you should know about Hyeseon Hong (pronounced hay-sun hong), as each of them impacts the scope and purpose of the music on Things Will Pass. First, she is well-versed in the shaping and subtleties of contemporary big-band jazz; second, she was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea; third, she formed her own big band after relocating from Korea to New York City more than a decade ago; fourth, and perhaps most important, she ...

Album Review

Matt Panayides: Conduits

by Jack Bowers
August 18, 2015

Conduits, Matt Panayides' second album as a leader, pairs his resilient guitar on the front line with the reliable tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, ably supported by bassist Thomson Kneeland and drummer Mark Ferber. In spite of its esoteric name, the album is unshakably bright and accessible, with everyone abiding by Panayides' muse and playing their roles remarkably well. As Panayides wrote and arranged everything, much of the session's success rests on his musical acuity, which it should ...

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Album Review

Matt Panayides: Tapestries of Song

Read "Tapestries of Song" reviewed by Jack Huntley

by Jack Huntley
March 10, 2011

In the era of frenetic fretboard technique, the art of developing a patient groove sometimes seems lost in the shuffle, but Matt Panyides skillfully cultivates that very asset on Tapestries of Song. This is not to suggest that Panyides' music lacks for technical aptitude, as his guitar playing displays nothing but virtuosity. Specifically, Panyides' playing has the unhurried finesse of a craftsman. Teamed with Rich Perry's dexterous tenor sax, and the solid rhythms of drummer Dan Weiss and bassist Steve ...

Recording

Contemporary Composer/Guitarist Matt Panayides' 'Field Theory' Explores New Sonic Landscapes

Source: Mouthpiece Music
March 23, 2021

On Field Theory, guitarist and composer Matt Panayides explores new sonic landscapes by mixing electric and acoustic sounds in a set of modern, highly original post-bop compositions. Field Theory is a departure from Panayides’ previous releases, Conduits (2016) and Tapestries of Song (2011), which were both acoustic, modern jazz projects. Panayides, who grew up in Springfield, OH, and Indianapolis, IN, played piano when he was young but switched to guitar because he was inspired by Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix. ...
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Performance / Tour

Guitarist Matt Panayides - "Conduits" CD Release Concert - Feb. 19 - Spectrum (NYC)

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations
January 16, 2015

Date: February 19 at 7pm Place: Spectrum 121 Ludlow St. New York, NYC Admission: $15 / $10 students Phone: 212-528-1656 Conduits is guitarist Matt Panayides' second album as a leader. The album (on the Pacific Coast Jazz label) was recorded live at Bunker Studios in June of 2013 with saxophonist Rich Perry, bassist Thomson Kneeland and drummer Mark Ferber. The album was funded through the successful completion of a Kickstarter campaign. The ...
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Crowdfunding Campaign

Guitarist Matt Panayides Releasing 2nd Album With Rich Perry

Source: Matt Panayides
June 12, 2014

Celebrated NYC Jazz Guitarist Launches Second Studio Album on Kickstarter New York—Jazz musician and composer Matt Panayides announces the launch of his group’s second album which is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. “I’m excited about this release because the band has had an opportunity to perform this music live and is excited to channel that energy into a recording,” said Matt Panayides, guitarist and group lead. “We’ve put in countless hours to make this album a joy to listen to ...
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Recording

CD Release Matt Panayides "Tapestries of Song" on Pacific Coast Jazz

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services
February 21, 2011

Matt Panayides Tapestries of Song Pacific Coast Jazz Tapestries of Song, the debut recording from exploratory guitarist/composer Matt Panayides, introduces to the world a visionary new artist with a distinctive approach to music and a uniquely personal voice on his instrument. The Cincinnati born-Indianapolis raised jazzman, a mainstay on New York scene since moving to the area a decade ago has made a name for himself performing with artists such as Clark Terry, Mulgrew Miller, Kevin ...
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“This is a charming recording: reflective, tranquil … Matt Panayides, Steve LaSpina and Anthony Pinciotti combine about as gracefully as a listener could want.”
— All About Jazz review of With Eyes Closed All About Jazz

“Matt’s guitar solos on ‘Energy Mover’ will just blow you away… this is (without question) my personal favorite of the dozen high-energy originals offered up for our jazz journey.”
— Contemporary Fusion Reviews on Field Theory Contemporary Fusion Reviews