Two Cool Kids

Performing for schools, youth groups, and just trying to give somebody an opportunity to shine have been big beliefs of mine. To want for someone else the same things you wish for yourself have been a philosophy i've tried to live by. There is a magic that is created when folks lend a hand to those trying to move ahead. I can speak personally about this in my own life. There have been so many amazing people who have gone out of their way to give me a shot and extend a hand where the could have decided not to.   One moment in particular comes to mind.   I clearly remember 2 years ago Nick Colionne giving me the stage without warning at the Seabreeze Jazz Fest Jam in 2008. A fellow guitarist creating community over competition. That instance has had a profound effect upon me.

In November of last year we had a great opportunity to perform for WGRV's Smooth Jazz Cruise to the Bahamas. What a thrill! Much to our surprise, there were two kids aboard the jazz cruise.   Omar and Hannah were their names, and to our surprise this brother and sister combo were great piano players who were very talented. We invited them to play during sound check, and it struck me to invite them on stage as a surprise in the show. They were the highlight of the show! Both performing original pieces and bringing many tears and smiles.   What amazing children! Thank you Hannah and Omar.

Great Soul (the story)

While recording the Family Funktion I had the urge to take the listener to another part of the world in a jazz context. I wanted to record a song that was fresh and not done before. I love my funk, r&b grooves for sure, but as an artist I am starting to also look to my responsibility to challenge the parameters of this style. My inspiration was to perhaps take the listener much in the same way Paul Simon took his listeners to South Africa. But where to go? Where to visit?  I wanted to put forth a piece of music that was truly unique to the jazz and guitar genres.

One night after watching the movie "Slum Dog Millionaire" it occurred to me that India would be the place to travel to.  To blend the traditional instruments and the contemporary Bollywood flavor would be the artistic destination.  I collaborated with my brother Chris Marshak on drums and we began the recording. After much trial and error and experimenting, we had a tune and a sound we thought embodied the essence of India in a contemporary jazz context. We brought in bassist Carl Carter, Vocalist and instrumentalist Mike Dimeo, and finished up the tune. At the end of the recording, my brother urged me to visit grammy award mixer Ben Wisch here in NYC. I gave in, and we invested in this wonderful set of ears. I'm delighted to present to you: Great Soul.

Happy New Year,
MM

Taking a chance

Hello Guys and Gals,

We are getting ready to think of a new single for the new year. We are looking to most likely release "Great Soul." This song really is a unique blend of jazz, bollywood (Indian), rock, and pop music.  I was lucky to have my brother Chris Marshak produce and assist me on this song. The end result was something that is really fresh and what I think of as positively different. We had a cast of unique musicians on the track, and had NYC mix master Ben Wisch on board.

I believe instrumental music and "smooth jazz"  is at a crossroads. I am getting ready to put out this single as my response to the current state of affairs. So many stations have closed their doors, and there is a lot of discussion of "what?" and "why?" it's all happening. Instead of writing words to talk about what I think is wrong, I decided to release a song that I think brings new energy and a new sound to this format.


Great Soul is my contribution to trying to bring about some new sounds and directions. I hope you enjoy it!

Peace and Joy,
Matt Marshak

A Backyard Party To Remember

This last July, as our new cd was about to be released, I got a call from 2 of my dearest friends and fans in Atlanta, GA. Will and Maggie Shares. They asked me if they could host the "Family Funktion" cd release party at their home in Atlanta. I was so honored, surprised, and excited. We were about to plan for a party, and our wish was granted. It was one of the most memorable moments in my life.

Jazz has some of the most friendly, warm, and caring people within it's musical walls. The Shares' are certainly all that! They ended up selling over 200 tickets, cooked delicious food, and had some fine drinks as well. Every detail was taken care of,  the band was put up in a nice hotel, and our great friend Tony Clarke and Avitar took care of all the sound. We were so touched with the amount of time and energy they put in for us. It was simply unforgettable!

Here are some photos:

Thank You Will and Maggie!

MM and Band

CD 101.9

I grew up in eastern Long Island about 1.5 hrs east of New York City. Rock n’ Roll dominated the airwaves in New York in the 70’s and 80’s. However, in 1988 or so I can remember the first time I heard a fresh station playing artists like David Sanborn, George Benson, Larry Carlton, Richard Elliot. The station was WQCD 101.9. I can remember going to my first smooth/contemporary jazz concert in 1989 on a weeknight at the Westbury Music Fair.  Hosted by Deborah Rath, we enjoyed the Rippingtons, Richard Elliot and Larry Carlton. It was a packed house and it was an influential moment for me. I was inspired by this great style and this great station hosting and putting on this event. I picked up the guitar at this very same time, and this station was my education and source for good music.

About 10 years later, I was honored to have won a contest by CD101.9 looking for the best new artist in NYC. They had me open up a show in Bryant Park NYC for Guitars and Saxes, and started playing my music on air.  It was a dream come true. The station that had given me inspiration was now playing my songs. I couldn’t believe it. A few years later Robin Marshall Blake Lawrence from CD101.9 helped me nationally with my tune “Wind Chill Factor.” This station was a huge part of my upringing and helped me get started as a guitarist in jazz. I am very thankful for these times and opportunities.

But enough about me. I write today because we all know that about 1 year ago this station went off the air and is now a rock station. Since that day, I’ve met countless folks who have expressed their loss with this station disappearing. At a recent show in NY, I asked the crowd if they remembered cd101.9, and the groan and weeps were as if we had recalled a respected loved one who had passed on. This station was such a huge part of the culture and lifestyle of so many people. And still is in memory. We still can’t believe that this huge city and metropolitan area does not have a contemporary/smooth jazz station?

I’m not sure if the owners of the station really know how this has impacted so many listeners and lovers of this format. There is no replacement for the local voice who brings you through your day exploring great vibrant music. It no longer exists in NY.

I’m also heartbroken that the new artist out there exploring jazz won’t have a chance to emerge on this station. The curious teenager may not have that influential listening moment anymore. It has so many effects upon culture, the jazz scene, and music in general for New York.

It’s unfortunate that this great station no longer can be heard. So many jazz fans in NYC, NJ, Long Island, Connecticut have asked me what happened? Why is there no more cd101.9? All I can suggest is that you write to Emmis Communications and express your feelings. Perhaps if they hear from you, they may reconsider this decision?

Here’s the good news—you can find so many online and satellite stations to enjoy good music!

All the best,
MM