Will Matthews

Biography
News

Kansas City native Will Matthews is the guitarist for the world famous Count Basie Orchestra, joining the group in 1996 under the direction of trombonist Grover Mitchell to fill the coveted chair of the late legendary guitarist and composer, Freddie Green who was with the band for over fifty years.

Matthews has traveled and toured all over the world and has played on many studio recordings with the group, including two 'Grammy' winning recordings, Count Basie Orchestra Live at Manchester Guild in 1997 and Count Plays Duke 1999, as well as the 'Grammy' nominated recording Swing Shift in 2000

The Guitarist has played every major festival, concert hall and theatre in the world and has also had the opportunity to play one-nighters with a variety of artists coming through Kansas City such as Charles Earland, Freda Payne, Arthur Prysock, Jimmy Witherspoon, Carmen Bradford, Kevin Mahogany, and Bobby Watson.

In 1996 Matthews was invited to perform at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, Thailand for King Bhumbibol, along with other members of the Basie Orchestra, Benny Carter and Frank Foster. In 1997 he performed with the group for President William J. Clinton's second inaugural.

During his tenure with the band Matthews has performed with a who's who of artists such as Joe Williams, Frank Wess, Curtis Fuller, George Benson, Kenny Burrell, Milt Jackson, Jimmy Cobb, Hank Jones, Rufus Reed, John Faddis, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Lou Donaldson, Dorothy Donegan, Tom Scott, John Pizzarelli, Regina Carter, Nancy Wilson, Patti Austin, Rosemary Clooney, Dianne Reeves, Nnenna Freelon, Marlena Shaw, and Ledisi to name a few.

During the 1950's and 60's the classic Hammond B-3 organ, guitar, drums format emerged and has played a big role in the evolution of jazz music, and with the addition of the saxophone to the line-up augmenting it to a quartet, the sound became very popular with players ranging from Wild Bill Davis, Bill Doggett to Jimmy Smith. Most of the great jazz guitarists have recorded using this format as it seems that the guitar and organ go together like hand in glove and so I felt the need to be a part of the continuum of this great tradition with the release of my latest recording on the ARC label with the legendary organist from the Wes Montgomery Trio, Mel Rhyne and saxman Bobby Watson who was a member of the Art Blakey Jazz Messenger group and later formed his own groups, Horizon and the Live and Learn band.

Matthews also holds the guitar chair with the 18th Vine St. Big Band lead by Watson.

Those who know me have always heard me say that Will’s tone and phrasing is a perfect blend of George Benson, Grant Green, and Wes Montgomery, supported by his strong chordal concept, which, unavoidably, is pure Kenny Burrell (and why would anyone want to go around that?)

His debut CD, Solo, was released in 2000 to critical acclaim, and the audience has since been waiting for his return, long overdue as a solo artist. In the most beautiful sense, Will’s phrasing is downhill, leaning forward, he waits for nothing; there’s a real sense of urgency here��"he’s gotta get it to ya’, and now! With respect to that sense of urgency, let me give you a thumbnail sketch of the swinging tunes that are on this long awaited recording.

The appropriately titled, “Count on Swingin’” (I assume you get the inherent implication!) which finds Will blowin’ some mad blues riffs, even finding a way to insert Duke’s quote of “It Don’t Mean A Thing” while the cascade of boppish lines rain down��"meanwhile, alto sax master Bobby Watson was sent as a true Jazz Messenger (‘77 to ‘81) to celebrate Will’s most recent jazz party.

“Corner Pocket,” an obvious nod to his Basie boss, which prominently promotes his mastery of the Freddie Green comping style, for which Will is literally the absolute best suited in the world today; “Can’t Help It,” which, is, unfortunately, so well-timed in light of the recent dimming of our brightest pop star, M.J.; and “Mikayla’s Song,” a beautiful chord-melody laid down over a bed of funk that Will composed for his daughter.

Then there’s “Up and At It,” which best displays Will’s deftness and dexterity in the hard bop tradition. But just dig the chattery talk that drummer Kenny Phelps is laying down! His graceful presence is fully felt not only here, but throughout the entire album.

Of course, you gotta have some blues, baby…and so Will’s licks on “The Grease” gets us all well-lubricated, yes? And, sure,

Will pays his respect to the great tradition of Miles with the sophisticated, yet cool jazz approach to the changes of “Old Milestones,” where Bobby Watson glides through like a summer breeze.

The legendary Hammond organ king Mel Rhynes makes his contribution to the collection with “Soul Changes,” and just listening to the gargle of that gargantuan instrument on the opening track reminds us all of the greatness that he lent to Wes for so many years.

Finally, “Where There’s A Will” is one of five Matthews original contributions, with such swing that allows no one to ignore the direct descent in the line of greats��"Wes, Kenny, Grant, and George. And, of course, that’s the only way.

So what now?….Well, now there’s a Will
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Guitarist Greg Matthews In Olde City Phila. Thurs. April 18th!

Source: Jim Miller
March 29, 2013

Appearing at the Arch Street Friends Meeting House—4th and Arch Street in Philadelphia—on Thursday, April 18th is jazz guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Greg Matthews. Tickets are $10, $5 for students, and are available only at the door. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Information: 215-517-8337. Matthews, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in guitar performance and composition from the University of the Arts, has been playing guitar—and singing, composing and producing—since the age of 18 at locales that have included the Kimmel Center, Chris’ Jazz ...
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Performance / Tour

Jazz This Week: Rudi Mwongozi, Denise Thimes with Llew Matthews, Jazz St. Louis All-Stars, and More

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
May 5, 2011

The jazz and creative and music scene in St. Louis usually is in transition this time of year, as the presenting season for many local not-for-profit organizations is winding down and the various summer tours, concert series and other seasonal activities have yet to get underway. Still, there are some noteworthy sounds happening around town this week, so let's go to the highlights. As graduation time approaches, the musical offerings this week at Jazz at the Bistro are all about ...
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121

Education

Saxophonist Jeff Coffin of the Dave Matthews Band To Offer Free Jazz Masterclass/Performance at Cascio Interstate Music, April 9th to Benefit the Milwaukee Jazz Vision

Source: Jamie Breiwick
March 23, 2011

New Berlin, WI—Cascio Interstate Music, 13819 W. National Avenue in New Berlin, presents saxophonist Jeff Coffin, three-time Grammy-winner and member of the Dave Matthews Band plus Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. Jeff will appear on Cascio's Soundstage inside the Cascio SuperStore, from 11 amת pm on Saturday, April 9, 2011. His jazz band, Jeff Coffin & the Mu'tet will perform along with the Muskego High School Jazz Ensemble. Coffin, a strong supporter of music education, will conduct a FREE Masterclass ...
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123

Festival

1st Dave Matthews Band Caravan in Atlantic City, Lineup, Dates

Source: JamBase
March 10, 2011

LIPS, LAMONTAGNE, MARLEY AND MORE JOIN DMB

The first Dave Matthews Band Caravan will take place at Bader Field in Atlantic City, NJ on June 24th, 25th, 26th. The three-day festival will feature Dave Matthews Band performing a full set each night in one of only four U.S. locales where you'll be able to catch the band this year. Joining the Caravan, an array of diverse musical talent will perform on three stages.

Three-day tickets, VIP Packages, hotel rooms and ...
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127

Trends

Connecting with Fans and the Dave Matthews Band

Source: HypeBot
September 17, 2010

(UPDATED) In this interview, Stefan Lessard, the bassist for Dave Matthews Band, talks about the challenges of staying at the forefront of technology and maintaining an identity outside of the group. Early on, fan clubs consisted of mailing a postcard and getting a bit of merch and a form-letter. Beyond that, the incentives for fandom were structured around information. Then, as time went on, Dave Matthews Band was able to engage their fans through the use of their online fan ...
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Performance / Tour

Dave Matthews Band: Fall Tour

Source: JamBase
September 10, 2010

ONE MORE GO AROUND BEFORE THE HIATUS Dave Matthews Band have announced a fall tour set to begin November 2 in Buffalo, NY, before hitting Uniondale, Albany, Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Atlanta, Charleston, and Charlottesville. Openers include Amos Lee, The Punch Brothers, John Butler Trio, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. The band have previously announced an extended hiatus, taking a break from touring action for all of 2011. Check out the tour dates below. Dave Matthews Band 2010 Tour ...
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TV / Film

Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews' National TV Appearances Set; Added to Final Dave Matthews Bands Tour Dates

Source: conqueroo
September 10, 2010

Troy “Trombone Shorty" Andrews' media profile continues to explode with several national television performances in recent and coming weeks. Included are a featured appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on September 23, a special guest spot with Ricky Minor and The Tonight Show band on September 30, and nation-wide airing of PBS' Austin City Limits on October 23. The 24-year-old funk/rock star who burst onto the national scene with his Backatown debut (released April 20 on Verve Forecast), recently made his ...
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111

Performance / Tour

Marc Hoffman Quintet Makes Debut Performance at Matthews Alive! Festival

Source: blueplate pr
August 24, 2010

August 24, 2010 (CHARLOTTE, NC)—The Marc Hoffman Quintet, lead by Virillion Music recording artist Marc Hoffman, will perform during the “Matthews Alive! Festival" in Stumpton Park, Matthews, NC, on Sunday, September 5, from 5:30-6:30 pm. The quintet's playlist will include original jazz-flavored contemporary Christian music as well as audience favorites. Marc Hoffman's various ensembles include duo, trio, and four- or five-piece bands For the Matthews gig, his quintet will feature Grammy-nominated guitarist John Sharp, internationally renowned bassist Terry Peoples, Charlotte-based ...
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217

Performance / Tour

Dave Matthews Band: Wrigley Field Tour Finale

Source: JamBase
July 8, 2010

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND SUMMER TOUR FINALE AT WRIGLEY FIELD WITH JASON MRAZ

Dave Matthews Band Dave Matthews Band has announced that they will close their summer tour with two concerts at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL. DMB will perform back-to-back concerts on September 17-18 at the historical ballpark the Chicago Cubs have called home for 95 years. Jason Mraz will perform as support for both Chicago shows.

Tickets for the Wrigley show will be offered to Warehouse members in advance ...
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130

Performance / Tour

Jazz This Week: Marlena Shaw, Will Matthews, Glendale Jazz Festival, and More

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
May 27, 2010

If you'd like to hear some jazz as part of your Memorial Day weekend, there are a number of noteworthy shows coming up over the next few days in and around St. Louis. Let's go to the highlights:The week's best-known headliner is singer Marlena Shaw (pictured), who's in town to perform tonight through Saturday at Jazz at the Bistro. Shaw's music encompasses jazz, soul, R&B, gospel, pop and many other influences; for more on her, and some performance ...
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