Matt Wilson

Hey boys and girls, please feel free to comment here, I promise I'll get them up, but if you would like to make contact, please visit my website



Drummer, composer, bandleader, educator and Palmetto

recording artist Matt Wilson possesses the ability to connect with

people. As a sideman to such jazz notables as Charlie Haden, Dewey Redman and Lee Konitz among many others, his open mind and joyful spirit lifts the bandstand. As a bandleader, his infectious creative spirit allows his band and the audience to share in the excitement of the moment. He is not afraid to challenge, entertain and have fun! (You'll have fun too!) Since moving to New York in 1992, Wilson has established himself as one of the most imaginative jazz artists of his generation. He has performed on over 160 recordings and has toured throughout the world. He was voted Jazz Drummer of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2003 and for the past three years has been voted 1 Rising Star Drummer in the Downbeat International Critics Poll as well as prominent mentions in the Jazz Artist and Composer categories. Wilson is a clinician for Zildjian cymbals and sticks, Pearl drums and Remo drumheads. Check out www.mattwilsonjazz.com

and www.palmetto-records.com for more fun-filled information!

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In 1996 Matt started the Matt Wilson Quartet and his dream to have a working jazz band has been realized. Since that time they have delighted audiences throughout the world with our acclaimed recordings and exciting live performances. The guys in the band are not only extraordinary musicians but wonderful human beings who love to have a good time! They bring life to the music and make every performance memorable!



In their travels around the US, Europe and Australia, they have played many nights of thrilling music, made a lot of friends, shared delicious food and drink, and have seen some breathtaking sights. MWQ have also had the opportunity to expose thousands of students to improvisational music with our innovative educational workshops. They love interacting with the students and love to play MWQ plus big band charts.  (They rock, the kids'll love em!)



This Matt Wilson Quartet is

dedicated to bringing the music to the people. They perform music that is not

afraid to challenge AND entertain. We have fun and so will you!

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Matt formed Arts and Crafts in 2000 and since that

time the all- star ensemble has made two critically acclaimed recordings Arts

and Crafts (2001) and Wake Up! (To Whats Happening) (2004). Their

third Palmetto recording will be released in January 2007. The band was voted

one of top acoustic jazz groups in the 2005 Downbeat Critics Poll.



Touring throughout the US, the band has recently performed to enthusiastic

audiences at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall and the Newport

and San Francisco jazz festivals as well as at numerous colleges, high schools

and jazz clubs. The band completed a European tour in March 2006 and was the

artists in residence at the Juneau Alaska Jazz and Classics festival in May

2006. Art and Crafts is also in demand for their inspirational educational

workshops that cover a wide range of subjects for all age groups.



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Fun Facts:



1.) m@ has two different sizes feet . left 8 1/2 right 10 1/2

2.) m@ will eat just about anything except foods w/ orange peel flavor.

3.) m@ has lost band members in Wal-Mart



 

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THE

SCENIC ROUTE FEATURES TERELL STAFFORD ON TRUMPET AND DER FLUGELHORN, OUR NEW CRAFTER GARY VERSACE ON PIANO, ORGAN AND ACCORDION

AS WELL AS DENNIS “BIG HEAD D” IRWIN ON THE BASS AND CLARINET.

We also introduce THE SWAYETTES, AYANA DEL VALLE, ELIZABETH DOTSON-WESTPHALEN

AND KARLIE BRUCE ON VOCALS.RECORDED BY MATT “big daddee B” BALITSARIS.



TUNES BY MATT, ORNETTE, PAT METHENY, DONALD AYLER, BOBBY

HUTCHERSON, MONK AND JOHN LENNON!

YOU’LL DIG THE SCENIC ROUTE! YOU ALSO WILL BE “FEELING

THE SWAY’! THE INTERNATIONAL “YEAR OF” OFFICE IN BELGIUM HAS JUST DECLARED

2007

THE YEAR OF THE SWAY!



THE RECORDING IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF DEWEY REDMAN

WHO PASSED AWAY JUST DAYS BEFORE WE RECORDED. DEWEY WAS A MASTER MUSICIAN AND A

GEM OF A HUMAN BEING. HE WAS ONE OF THE MOST OPEN MINDED MUSICIANS I HAVE

ENCOUNTERED. HE WAS ALSO A REALLY CARING AND FUNNY MAN. I PLAYED WITH HIM FOR

ALMOST 12 YEARS AND I LOVED HIM DEARLY. I WROTE A NEW TUNE CALLED “IN TOUCH

WITH DEWEY” THAT IS ON THE NEW CD.

DEWEY REDMAN 5/17/31- 09/02/06. WE MISS YOU!!