Mathew Stevens, Grammy-Winning Jazz Guitarist, on His New Album

Long recognized as one of the most thrilling and thoughtful guitarists of his generation, Matthew Stevens has built an elite reputation in music, touring, and recording with a "who's who" of modern icons, including Esperanza Spalding, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, Harvey Mason, and Walter Smith Ill. He has also made a splash outside of jazz, having produced the tribute album I Am A Pilgrim - Doc Watson at 100, featuring artists such as Valerie June, Steve Earle, Nora Brown, and Dolly Parton (Stevens produced Parton's version of

"The Last Thing on My Mind," which earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Solo Performance in 2024). A culmination of 20 years of craft, the eponymous album serves as a mid-career mission statement with Stevens stepping into the spotlight.

Co-produced by Stevens, saxophonist Josh Johnson, and percussionist Eric Doob, the record seamlessly melds acoustic and electric sonics through a mix of genre-blurring originals and deeply personal covers. It features a multigenerational cast of musicians who have had a profound impact on Stevens' journey, including rising visionaries like vibraphonist Joel Ross and vocalists Anna B Savage and Corey King, in addition to his mentor Terri Lyne Carrington and personal guitar hero Jeff Parker. At the album's core is a band of his most trusted collaborators, which also includes keyboardist Chris Fishman and bassist Kyle Miles, with additional contributions from percussionist Paulo Stagnaro and guitarists Dylan Day and Rich Hinman on slide and pedal steel.

Matthew Stevens reflects a period of profound personal and artistic change, ultimately bringing him to "a place of optimism, excitement, and confidence" that signals a bold new chapter for one of jazz's most essential voices and respected players.

website www.mattstevens.com

www.instagram.com/matthewthomaswyatt 

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7z1PSpsIyAeniOOtaQ1iYa?si=cS9P53EIR46Qs9X4YvAd-g

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 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer