Matthew Garrison is a groundbreaking electric bassist known for his virtuosic techniques and innovative fusion of jazz, funk, and electronic music. Growing up in a rich artistic environment and training under jazz legends, he has carved a distinctive path in music, pushing the boundaries of the bass while inspiring future generations through performance, education, and entrepreneurship.
Matthew Garrison, born June 2, 1970, in New York City, is acclaimed as one of the most innovative and technically gifted electric bassists of his generation. His groundbreaking contributions and unique blend of musical styles have earned him a distinguished place in the realm of jazz and beyond.
The son of the legendary jazz bassist Jimmy Garrison, known for his work with John Coltrane, and modern dancer Roberta Escamilla Garrison, Matthew's early life was steeped in a rich artistic environment. Growing up in New York City, he was surrounded by musicians, dancers, artists, and poets, which laid a foundation for his future in music.
At the age of seven, following his father's death, Matthew's family moved to Rome, Italy. It was there he began studying piano and bass guitar, embarking on his journey into music. At 18, Garrison returned to the U.S. to live with his godfather, drummer Jack DeJohnette. He honed his skills under the tutelage of DeJohnette and bassist Dave Holland for two years, setting the stage for his professional career.
In 1989, Garrison's musical prowess earned him a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music. While at Berklee, he began his professional career, collaborating with notable artists such as Gary Burton, Bob Moses, and Betty Carter, further expanding his musical horizons.
By 1994, Garrison had relocated to Brooklyn, New York, to immerse himself fully in the music scene. His career blossomed as he performed and recorded with a myriad of renowned artists, including:
Matthew Garrison is celebrated for his virtuosic bass playing, which seamlessly fuses jazz, funk, electronic, and world music influences. He pioneered new techniques on the six-string electric bass, setting a new standard for future generations.
Garrison launched his solo career with his debut album, "Matthew Garrison," in 2000. The album was hailed by Bass Player magazine for "raising the bar" for electric bassists. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found GarrisonJazz Productions in 1998 to produce and market his music independently.
Subsequent solo projects include:
In 2012, Garrison co-founded the ShapeShifter Lab in Brooklyn with partner Fortuna Sung. This music venue and creative space quickly became a highly influential location, recognized as one of New York's top 10 venues by Time Out New York. In 2014, they also co-founded the non-profit ShapeShifter Plus alongside Ravi Coltrane.
Matthew Garrison's technical skills on the six-string electric bass are nothing short of virtuosic. He is known for blending a diverse array of musical influences, including jazz, funk, electronic, and world music. His pioneering use of effects and computer technology with the bass has broadened the instrument's expressive capabilities.
His compositions are known for their complex harmonies and rhythms, and The New York Times has dubbed him an "electric bass virtuoso."
Beyond performing, Garrison has developed educational initiatives through the GarrisonJazz Productions Music Center, offering valuable resources for aspiring musicians. He also created music apps such as "Matt Garrison" and "TuneBend," which provide interactive and innovative learning platforms.
Garrison's influence extends beyond his recordings, as he continues to perform in various ensembles and collaborations, constantly pushing the boundaries of the electric bass through his multifaceted career.
Garrison's contributions to music over the decades mark him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of jazz and electric bass playing. His continued exploration and innovation ensure his lasting legacy as a performer, composer, educator, and curator.
