Matthew Stevens (musician)

Matthew Stevens (born 1982) is a Canadian jazz guitarist and composer.[1]

Matthew Stevens
Stevens performing in Oslo in 2019
Background information
Also known asMatt Stevens
Born (1982-01-08) January 8, 1982
OriginToronto, Ontario, Canada
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • composer
InstrumentsGuitar
Years activec. 2004–present
Labels
Associated acts
Websitemattstevensmusic.com

Biography

Stevens was born on 8 January 1982 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and studied piano and guitar at a young age. Since graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2004, Stevens has established himself in the contemporary jazz scene performing and recording with numerous artists including Christian Scott,[2] Terri Lyne Carrington,[3] and Esperanza Spalding.[4]

Regarded to be one of "most exciting up-and-coming jazz guitarists" in his generation, Stevens was placed in the Rising Star Guitar Category of the 63rd Annual DownBeat Critics Poll.[5] His performances have been esteemed by numerous publications including Down Beat,[6] NPR,[7] Jazz Times,[8] Billboard,[9] and The New York Times.[10]

His debut album as a leader, Woodwork, received stellar reviews from critics including Down Beat,[11] All About Jazz,[12] and the Ottawa Citizen.[13] LA Weekly describes the album as "an amalgamation of modern jazz and neo-fusion elements which showcase ... sonic versatility and savvy producing chops".[14]

Stevens has toured extensively in the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, South Africa, and South America. He is also a member of the adjunct faculty at the New School and has taught workshops at the Maryland Summer Jazz Workshop, USC, and Berklee College of Music.[1]

Stevens currently resides in New York City, New York.[1]

Awards and honors
  • 2015: DownBeat magazine: The 63rd Annual DownBeat Critics Poll / Rising Star Guitar Category[5]
  • 2016: DownBeat magazine: “25 for the Future”[15]

Discography

As a leader

As a sideman
Year Artist Album Label
2006 Christian Scott Rewind That Concord
2007 Christian Scott Anthem Concord
2008 Christian Scott Live at Newport Concord
2009 Walter Smith III & Mark Small Bronze Fresh Sound
2010 Jacky Terrasson Push Concord
2010 Christian Scott Yesterday You Said Tomorrow Concord
2011 Ben Williams State Of Art Concord
2011 Sean Jones No Need For Words Mack Avenue
2012 ERIMAJ Conflict Of A Man Don't Cry
2012 Christian Scott Christian aTunde Adjuah Concord
2013 NEXT Collective Cover Art Concord
2013 Chris Turner Lovelife Is A Challenge Love Child
2013 Chet Doxas Dive Addo
2013 Leron Thomas Whatever Independent
2014 Harvey Mason Chameleon Concord
2014 Walter Smith III Still Casual Independent
2015 Justin Kauflin Dedication Qwest
2015 Michael Oien And Now Fresh Sound
2015 Ben Williams Coming of Age Concord Jazz
2015 Christian Scott Stretch Music Ropeadope
2016 Esperanza Spalding Emily's D+Evolution Concord
2017 Christian Scott The Emancipation Procrastination Ropeadope
2017 Esperanza Spalding Exposure Concord
2017 Linda May Han Oh walk against wind Biophilia Records
2018 Esperanza Spalding 12 Little Spells Concord

References
  1. "Matthew Stevens @ All About Jazz". Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  2. "Christian Scott and Matt Stevens perform on stage at Royal Festival..." Retrieved 31 August 2015.
  3. Ltd, Headley Brothers. "Review: Terri Lyne Carrington at Montreux". www.jazzjournal.co.uk. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
  4. Chinen, Nate (17 May 2015). "Review: Esperanza Spalding Recalls the Creativity of Youth in New Songs". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
  5. "DownBeat | 63rd Critics Poll Rising Star". DownBeat. Vol. 82 no. 8. Chicago. p. 67. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  6. "DownBeat | "Matthew Stevens In Due Time"". www.downbeat.com. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  7. "Matthew Stevens Group: Live At Berklee". Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  8. "Jazz Articles: Matthew Stevens: Leading From Within - By Giovanni Russonello — Jazz Articles". jazztimes.com. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  9. "Billboard CD reviews: Taylor Swift, T-Pain - Reuters". mobile.reuters.com. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  10. "Matthew Stevens Group - Events in NYC - Arts and Entertainment Guide - NYTimes". www.nytimes.com. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  11. "DownBeat | Digital Edition | August 2015". www.downbeat.com. August 2015. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  12. "Matthew Stevens: Woodwork". Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  13. "Matthew Stevens CD reviewed". Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  14. "The Matt Stevens Group". LA Weekly. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  15. Murph, John (July 2016). "25 for the Future / Tyshawn Sorey". DownBeat. Vol. 83 no. 7. Chicago. p. 34. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  16. "DownBeat Magazine Editor's picks (May 2015)". www.downbeat.com. Archived from the original on 5 September 2015. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  17. Fordham, John (23 March 2017). "Matthew Stevens: Preverbal review – subtle, clever jazz fusion". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 November 2017.
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