Matthew Stevens at Kuumbwa Jazz Center

Navigating with ease among jazz, indie-rock and soul, guitarist and composer Mathew Stevens is fast becoming one of the world’s most exciting up-and-coming jazz guitarists. Considered one of the most promising artists in contemporary jazz through his associations with NEXT Collective and making a name for himself through his work with artists like trumpeter Christian Scott, drummer Terri Lyne Carrington and bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding. He shouldn't, however, be pigeonholed as a support player or viewed simply as sideman du jour, as Stevens comes fully into his own with his long awaited debut recording as a leader, Woodwork. The album showcases Stevens’ diversity—from his warm, robust sound to his fluid, emotive playing at the helm of a stellar quintet. Stevens steps forward and shows himself to be a master craftsman, an exceptional technician and a startlingly original compositional force....

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Navigating with ease among jazz, indie-rock and soul, guitarist and composer Mathew Stevens is fast becoming one of the world’s most exciting up-and-coming jazz guitarists. Considered one of the most promising artists in contemporary jazz through his associations with NEXT Collective and making a name for himself through his work with artists like trumpeter Christian Scott, drummer Terri Lyne Carrington and bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding. He shouldn't, however, be pigeonholed as a support player or viewed simply as sideman du jour, as Stevens comes fully into his own with his long awaited debut recording as a leader, Woodwork. The album showcases Stevens’ diversity—from his warm, robust sound to his fluid, emotive playing at the helm of a stellar quintet. Stevens steps forward and shows himself to be a master craftsman, an exceptional technician and a startlingly original compositional force.

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