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Matt Davis

Matt Davis is a guitarist, teacher, and composer based in New York. Hailed as “Inspired” by Downbeat magazine, “incredible” by the Philadelphia Daily News, and “eloquent” by Jazztimes Magazine, Matt’s original jazz group, called “Aerial Photograph”, has released three CD’s and performs regularly in and around the tri-state area. Matt has shared the stage with notable musicians such as Odean Pope, Tyrone Brown, Mickey Roker, The Silk Road Ensemble, Dave Liebman, Dick Oats, John Swana, Terrell Stafford, Jon Hollenbeck, and many others. He is a recipient of numerous awards and honors including grants from ASCAP, the American Composers Forum, Chamber Music America, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, and The National Parks Service. Matt currently serves as Adjunct Associate Professor of Jazz Guitar Performance at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and is on the guitar faculty at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege program. Additionally, he is a teaching artist for the New York Pops in New York City. In addition to having studied under the notable jazz educator Dennis Sandole, Matt also earned his bachelors degree in jazz guitar from Temple University in Philadelphia, and his Masters degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He has performed all over the world and has taught jazz workshops in the New York and Philadelphia regions as well as in China, South Korea and the greater Mexico City region. Additionally, Matt is a published author, having had his writings on jazz music published in magazines such as Downbeat and Jazziz. He is currently endorsed by Godin Guitars.

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Interview

Matt Davis: Big Family, Big Picture

Read "Matt Davis: Big Family, Big Picture" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


If there's a defining trait to be found in the value system guiding guitarist Matt Davis and his music, it's most definitely a healthy respect and admiration for kith and kin. A love of community and belonging drives nearly every aspect of this artist's life, including his flagship ensemble, Matt Davis' Aerial Photograph, and it speaks ever so clearly on the aptly named Big Family (Self Produced, 2019). This long-awaited album, visiting music from the past while highlighting tight bonds ...

4
Take Five With...

Take Five With Matt Davis

Read "Take Five With Matt Davis" reviewed by Matt Davis


Meet Matt Davis: Matt Davis is a guitarist, composer, arranger, and teacher based in New York. Davis has released three albums with his group, Aerial Photograph, and performs regularly around the tri-state area. JazzTimes and Downbeat have described his playing as “eloquent" and “inspired." Matt Davis has performed with many of the biggest names in jazz and is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the ASCAP and the American Composers Forum. He is a faculty member at ...

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“Inspired” – downbeat magazine

“gorgeous” – philadelphia city paper

“incredible” – philadelphia daily news

“eloquent” – jazztimes magazine

“wildly imaginative” – jazziz magazine

Primary Instrument

Guitar

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Clinic/Workshop Information

Focusing on musicianship, accompaniment techniques, ear training, repertoire, jazz language, dynamics, etc.

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Music

Videos

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