As a kid, Matt was drawn to the sounds of Elvis, Chuck Berry, and other Vinyl recordings that were spun on the family record player. These albums were Matt’s first experiences with the guitar, music, and artistic expression. Rock and Roll was king. Later on, it would be Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Clapton that would capture Matt’s heart. Needless to say, the “guitar seed” had been planted. Matt’s older brother Chris, a drummer, often had rehearsals with local bands in the Marshak family basement. These sessions were also very inspiring and motivating times for Matt. Dozens of guitarists walked through the Marshak front door, and each one was studied by the young interested guitarist. In his high school years, Matt met up with three great Long Island teachers. Joseph “Joey” Casciano, a great classical and melodic rock guitarist who coached Matt in the principles of dedication and life commitment to music. Mike Orioles, a master technician and incredible soloist, inspired Matt to add intensity and rock flair in the styles of Joe Satriani. Richard Rabatin, a scholar and wizard of jazz/blues approaches, led Matt to the styles of Robben Ford and Larry Carlton. Matt studied with all three to gain a diverse influence on music and expression. At the same time, a new jazz radio format had emerged on the scene in NY. Matt was blown away by the artists he heard: Spyro Gyra, David Sanborn, The Rippingtons, David Benoit, George Benson. However, Matt’s most memorable high school music moment was probably playing a loud and intense version of “The Star Spangled Banner” in the school cafeteria for a school concert – a truly rock ‘n’ roll moment. While attending college at SUNY Geneseo, Matt had the opportunity to play with a great blues/R&B group called “promise of a new groove.” This group cooked up renditions of great tunes by old blues/soul masters: Wilson Pickett, Buddy Guy, Sam and Dave, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and BB King, among others. Matt also met up with a great straight-ahead jazz saxophonist Joseph Yoon. The two worked out arrangements from artists such as Miles, Coltrane, Dexter Gordon and others. Out of college, Matt played with many of New York’s top original bands and artists. Rock, pop, country, blues and jazz were all part of the mix. Jacks Waterfall, Leslie Mendelson, Miller Place, Theresa Sareo, and Kid Gloves were some of the groups. On one occasion, Matt had rock legend Ritchie Blackmore stop by to a show. After the show, Ritchie took Matt aside and complemented Matt on his ability to play for a tune and to add the right colors at the right times. This was truly a moving moment to have such a legend give praise. It ended up being a turning point.
Matt started playing regularly and built up an impressive diverse audience. At times, 100-150 people would show up at little jazz clubs. With his ability to respect the masters, and a youthful presentation, the audiences ranged from teenagers to 65-year-olds. This has always been his appeal – to blend many styles and generations of music. Soon enough, Matt gained the attention of NYC’s WQCD 101.9 Smooth Jazz and they named Matt best new artist in 2003. His record “This Time Around” started getting airplay in a major market and on stations across the globe. Soon after Matt was asked to open for Guitars and Saxes in NYC (Peter White/Jeff Golub/Richard Elliot/Steve Cole). He also had the opportunity to open for Stanley Jordan and Spyro Grya. Matt’s guitar and writing at the same time found its way onto many recordings and jingles. The New York Mets hit show, “Mets Zone,” aired on Fox Sports and Matt’s guitar was the defining melody. Arrow Staples was another commercial on national TV that featured Matt’s playing and writing. But all along the journey, Matt has managed to give back to the community. He is a supporter of Multiple Sclerosis, Autism Awareness, and visits countless schools across New York spreading the joy of music to kids of all ages. He is committed to inspiring the next generation of jazz/instrumental artists. He is also a big supporter of spreading peace, smiles, and just a good time through his music. This last year Matt sold out his first major ticket show at the club Fiddleheads in Huntington, Long Island. The show gained the interest of radio host Rafe Gomez of the Groove Boutique. Rafe hosted the event and it turned out to be a pivotal show. The IMAC Theater in Huntington soon heard about Matt and he headlined his first major show in early 2006. Matt’s new record, Groovosphere, is also soon to be released to radio nationwide. It features the biggest names in smooth/contemporary jazz. Veteran radio promoter Roger Lifeset will be handling the promotion. In just five short years, Matt has managed to capture the eyes, ears, and hearts of music fans across the globe. He brings a refreshing blend of smooth jazz, chill, retro soul vibes, world beat, and much more. His live show is packed with passion, energy, crowd interaction, and intensity. Gone are the clichés and the norm, and in its place are a new recipe full of spices and surprises. He is defining the next generation in contemporary-smooth jazz.
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Long
Island, New York is home to guitarist Matt Marshak. With
farms and vineyards on its eastern end, oceans and beaches on the
north and south, and the great New York City just west, this place
has always seemed to mirror the many sides and sonic landscapes of
this unique guitarist. 
After about five long busy years of countless gigs in smoky rock
clubs, a change was needed. Jazz, blues, and the instrumental focus
was calling. Matt had always dreamed of doing a record in the contemporary/smooth
jazz format. He met up South African Bass legend Bakithi Kumalo of
the Paul Simon Band. The two put together a funky track called the
BK Strut. Mario Cruz (Jaco Pastorius) lent his tenor sax to a few
tracks as well. The album had an old school sound in the style of
the Crusaders, Gadd Gand, and Stuff. The album was a nod to his influences
and appropriately called Preservation.
His live band featured Tower of Power sax man David Mann, Chuck Loeb
bassist Ron Jenkins, and Patti Austin keyboardist Tim Regusis.