About me.

I can’t quite remember my first memory related to music. It’s either coming down the basement steps at my grandmother's house and seeing her and my uncle unveiling a child's sized CB drum set or riding in the back of my grandmother's convertible and hearing the Beatles “Day Tripper” for the first time. 

I beat on that CB kit until my 8th birthday when I received my first full size kit and my parents signed me up for drum lessons. I studied with drummer/author Ted Mackenzie, who exposed me to jazz through the music of Buddy Rich and Max Roach. During middle school and high school I was given the opportunity to become a member of the Empire State Youth Orchestra’s Jazz Band. I was also fortunate that my high school offered a recording program where I got to experience a different side of making music and my love for being in the studio began.   

I moved to Wayne, NJ in 2012 to William Paterson University for jazz performance. During my time there I was lucky enough to study with Bill Goodwin, Kevin Norton, and Steve LaSpina; as well as participate in ensembles instructed by Mulgrew Miller, Rich Perry, Christian McBride and other legendary jazz musicians. 

Since graduating from William Paterson, I’ve moved back to the Capital District and have been given the opportunity to play at many amazing venues across the northeast such as the Blue Note, Joe’s Pub, Caffe Lena and festivals including the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival, Musikfest in Bethlehem PA, and the Quebec Jazz Festival.

I’ve always enjoyed a myriad of different styles of music and have been grateful to have had the chance to perform with many artists and bands that span all genres including Sheila Jordan, Duane Eubanks, Tarik Shah, Keith Pray, Rich Perry, Vin Mott, Giroux Brothers, Dylan Perrillo Orchestra, and others. In 2020 Tyler Giroux, Dylan Perrillo and myself formed a trio dubbed “GNP”. We released our debut album “Codes” on the record label ears&eyes. I regularly perform in a trio setting with Adam Siegel and Jason Emmond and we plan to record a debut recording in 2024.

Since 2021, I’ve curated a concert series at the Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY. The mission of the series is to bring musicians I’ve had the pleasure to collaborate with throughout the years, as well as explore new musical relationships and provide a platform for artists to express themselves. The theater is a great room to play and a great listening environment for the audience. I am proud to say we’re in our 3rd season going into 2024 with no plan of slowing down.

In addition to my playing career I also produce, mix and master recordings, as well as edit film. I’ve always had a passion for helping independent artists release a product that they are happy with and can be proud of. Regardless of where my life takes me I always plan to pursue my passions of music and creativity and I  hope to see you down that road. - Matt