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Hey boys and girls, please feel free to comment here, I promise I'll get them up, but if you would like to make contact, please visit my website

Drummer, composer, bandleader, educator and Palmetto recording artist Matt Wilson possesses the ability to connect with people. As a sideman to such jazz notables as Charlie Haden, Dewey Redman and Lee Konitz among many others, his open mind and joyful spirit lifts the bandstand. As a bandleader, his infectious creative spirit allows his band and the audience to share in the excitement of the moment. He is not afraid to challenge, entertain and have fun! (You'll have fun too!) Since moving to New York in 1992, Wilson has established himself as one of the most imaginative jazz artists of his generation. He has performed on over 160 recordings and has toured throughout the world. He was voted Jazz Drummer of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2003 and for the past three years has been voted ..1 Rising Star Drummer in the Downbeat International Critics Poll as well as prominent mentions in the Jazz Artist and Composer categories. Wilson is a clinician for Zildjian cymbals and sticks, Pearl drums and Remo drumheads. Check out www.mattwilsonjazz.com and www.palmetto-records.com for more fun-filled information!

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In 1996 Matt started the Matt Wilson Quartet and his dream to have a working jazz band has been realized. Since that time they have delighted audiences throughout the world with our acclaimed recordings and exciting live performances. The guys in the band are not only extraordinary musicians but wonderful human beings who love to have a good time! They bring life to the music and make every performance memorable!

In their travels around the US, Europe and Australia, they have played many nights of thrilling music, made a lot of friends, shared delicious food and drink, and have seen some breathtaking sights. MWQ have also had the opportunity to expose thousands of students to improvisational music with our innovative educational workshops. They love interacting with the students and love to play MWQ plus big band charts.  (They rock, the kids'll love em!)

This Matt Wilson Quartet is dedicated to bringing the music to the people. They perform music that is not afraid to challenge AND entertain. We have fun and so will you!

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Matt formed Arts and Crafts in 2000 and since that time the all- star ensemble has made two critically acclaimed recordings Arts and Crafts (2001) and Wake Up! (To Whats Happening) (2004). Their third Palmetto recording will be released in January 2007. The band was voted one of top acoustic jazz groups in the 2005 Downbeat Critics Poll.

Touring throughout the US, the band has recently performed to enthusiastic audiences at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall and the Newport and San Francisco jazz festivals as well as at numerous colleges, high schools and jazz clubs. The band completed a European tour in March 2006 and was the artists in residence at the Juneau Alaska Jazz and Classics festival in May 2006. Art and Crafts is also in demand for their inspirational educational workshops that cover a wide range of subjects for all age groups.

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Fun Facts:
1.) m@ has two different sizes feet . left 8 1/2 right 10 1/2
2.) m@ will eat just about anything except foods w/ orange peel flavor.
3.) m@ has lost band members in Wal-Mart
 

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THE SCENIC ROUTE FEATURES TERELL STAFFORD ON TRUMPET AND DER FLUGELHORN, OUR NEW CRAFTER GARY VERSACE ON PIANO, ORGAN AND ACCORDION AS WELL AS DENNIS “BIG HEAD D” IRWIN ON THE BASS AND CLARINET. We also introduce THE SWAYETTES, AYANA DEL VALLE, ELIZABETH DOTSON-WESTPHALEN AND KARLIE BRUCE ON VOCALS.RECORDED BY MATT “big daddee B” BALITSARIS.

TUNES BY MATT, ORNETTE, PAT METHENY, DONALD AYLER, BOBBY HUTCHERSON, MONK AND JOHN LENNON!

YOU’LL DIG THE SCENIC ROUTE! YOU ALSO WILL BE “FEELING THE SWAY’! THE INTERNATIONAL “YEAR OF” OFFICE IN BELGIUM HAS JUST DECLARED 2007
THE YEAR OF THE SWAY!

THE RECORDING IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF DEWEY REDMAN WHO PASSED AWAY JUST DAYS BEFORE WE RECORDED. DEWEY WAS A MASTER MUSICIAN AND A GEM OF A HUMAN BEING. HE WAS ONE OF THE MOST OPEN MINDED MUSICIANS I HAVE ENCOUNTERED. HE WAS ALSO A REALLY CARING AND FUNNY MAN. I PLAYED WITH HIM FOR ALMOST 12 YEARS AND I LOVED HIM DEARLY. I WROTE A NEW TUNE CALLED “IN TOUCH WITH DEWEY” THAT IS ON THE NEW CD.

DEWEY REDMAN 5/17/31- 09/02/06. WE MISS YOU!!