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Will Matthews was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Little did he know that time and experience would reward him with the opportunity to perform in the place of late great Freddie Green, guitarist with the Count Basie Orchestra for 50 years! After performing with several groups around town, Will began performing with world renowned trumpeter Carmel Jones and with Kansas City's own Claude 'Fiddler' Williams, the first guitarist in the Count Basie Orchestra. In 1989, Will had the opportunity to work with another Kansas City jazz legend, Jay McShann. As he continued to grow musically and make a name for himself professionally, other opportunities began to appear in the form of Grammy Award winning pianist and composer, Dr. Ronnell Bright. Over the years, Dr. Bright earned his reputation by working with legendary jazz vocalists Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Nancy Wilson and Carmen McRae. Dr. Bright was also the musical director for the famous Flip Wilson Show and The Carol Burnett Show, respectively. Who did he want to perform with him when he decided to make Kansas City his home? Will Matthews! In 1996, under the direction of trombonist Grover Mitchell, Will Matthews was selected to fill the coveted chair of the late great Freddie Green, guitarist for the Count Basie Orchestra. Since joining the orchestra, Will has performed on numerous recordings of which two achieved Grammy Awards. The Count Basie Orchestra with Will Matthews on guitar, had the honor of performing with Joe Williams, Frank Foster, Benny Carter, Milt Jackson, George Benson, Kenny Burrell, Nancy Wilson, Patti Austin, Marlena Shaw, Tony Bennett, Dianne Schuur and most recently jazz vocalist, Nneena Freelon. They also were invited to perform at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, Thailand and for the former President, William J. Clinton's Inaugural in 1997. With many musical accomplishments including Grammy Awards under his belt, this could easily create the perfect recipe for pride, however, such success could never mask this artists' passion for music or allow egotism to take the seat of modesty. Not only is Will an exceptional guitarist, he is well respected and good friends with his peers. Now that's a true sign of greatness! Respectfully, Paul Collins "If and when I leave the position of leader of the Count Basie Orchestra, the one act that I will be most proud of is to say that I had the privilege of hiring Will Matthews. It was no great heroic act on my part, because he appeared at our rehearsal after receiving a phone call from former guitarist (Charlton Johnson) to let him know the guitar chair was open and ask him if he would like to fill it. It was immediately obvious that he was something special. I could see the way he approached the guitar that he was a master of the instrument. Freddie Green was our long time guitarist (over 50 years) and he in fact pretty much invented the rhythm guitar style in this band and probably influenced (including Will) all Big Band Rhythm Guitarist that followed. But Will has something extra to add, he is a wonderful soloist. The selections on this CD includes some of the most challenging songs you can imagine! Without accompaniment, Will attacks all of these beautiful and difficult songs with the confidence and taste of the master instrumentalist that he is. His choice of material runs the gamut from blues to Ellington/Strayhorn masterpieces." Yours truly, Grover Mitchell, Director of the Count Basie Orchestra Check out the artist's website: http://www.willmatthews.com Track List: 1. Little Joe's Blues 2. Lil' Darling 3. Lush Life 4. Stompin' At the Savoy 5. Gershwin Medley:they Can't Take That Away From Me,how Long Has 6. Night and Day 7. Willow Weep For Me 8. Lotus Blossom Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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