Matt Gordy

Matt Gordy: Be With Me

by Richard J Salvucci
February 10, 2022

There is an expression of high regard for playing, “in the tradition," which basically means, yeah, that is jazz, music of the highest order. Matt Gordy's “Be With Me" is particularly arresting because it is in the tradition, but neither a recreation nor an exercise in nostalgia. Everyone from Charlie Christian to Modern Jazz Quartet has played “Topsy" (1937) in one form or another. It lends itself to multiple blues changes and swing to boppish solos, all of ...

The Matt Gordy Jazz Tonite Sextet: Be With Me

by Jack Bowers
January 11, 2022

In 2006, drummer Matt Gordy heeded the mandate to “go west, young man," moving from Boston to Los Angeles, while he was still “young at heart," and quickly becoming a mainstay of the local scene, after years of success as a jazz and classical drummer in New England, and even with the Maracaibo, Venezuela, Symphony Orchestra, where he spent nine years as chief percussionist. After fifteen years gigging in Los Angeles, Gordy decided it was time to record his first ...

The Matt Gordy Group: Eclipse

by Jim Santella
August 1, 2000

A modern mainstream quintet led by veteran drummer Matt Gordy invites comparisons to the Jazz Messengers of Art Blakey. Two horns and rhythm section work through interwoven ensemble counterpoint as well as in support of featured solo highlights. Gordy, 45, has chosen a program of five originals and one standard as the format for his third release as a leader.

The title track starts with a unison between alto saxophone and trumpet that is slightly out of tune. The effect ...