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Jazz / Piano
Matt McMahon

Matt McMahon is a Sydney based pianist and composer who has been active on the Sydney scene since 1993.

Matt was classically trained before he pursued an interest in jazz in his late teens. He studied music as part of a Bachelor of Arts degree at Sydney University and completed an Associate Diploma in Jazz Studies from the NSW Conservatorium in 1994. Since then he has played professionally in a wide variety of contexts.

  • pianist and musical director for the Vince Jones band
  • has worked with many other singers including Grace Knight, Tina Harrod, Robyne Dunn
  • played with Bobby Previte (USA) during his 1999 Australian “Bitches Brew Project” tour
  • has performed in the bands of Dale Barlow, Guy Strazzullo, Steve Hunter, Gordon Brisker, Dave Panichi, Sandy Evans/Andrew Robson, Carl Dewhurst, and Phil Slater, among others
  • won the National Jazz Award at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz in 1999
  • actively involved with the group, the Band of Five Names having released two well respected albums and performing internationally and locally
  • he leads his own groups and works in collaboration with many of Australia’s most respected musicians
  • has performed at many festivals and clubs throughout Australia and internationally with many bands.

Matt also presents a jazz radio programme called “Blow” every Friday on Eastside Radio, 89.7 FM. The show is dedicated to presenting jazz and improvised music and features discussions and interviews. Matt is also a committee member of the Jazz Co-ordination Association of NSW and is a founder member of the JazzGroove Association.

Please see below for Selected Discography followed by Reviews:

Selected Discography

Baecastuff “ Big Swell”, “One Hand Clapping”, “Out Of This World”
Theak-tet “ Yellow Glasses’
Guy Strazzullo “Blue Phoenix”, “Frangipani”
Band of five Names “Band Of Five Names”, “Severance”
Michael and Matthew McMahon “The Well Traveled Melody”
Steve Hunter “Nine Lives”, “Local World”

REVIEWS

“The general standard of Australian contemporary jazz releases is remarkable and this is one of the really outstanding ones” (Band Of Five Names).
JOHN CLARE, Sydney Morning Herald.

“It is very hard to think of an Australian production more beautifully played and recorded…” (Band of Five Names “Severance”)
JOHN CLARE, Sydney Morning Herald.

“Matthew McMahon on keyboards, apparently still a student, was remarkable, imaginative…”
MARK CHAPMAN, Drum Media.

“The highlight of the week was a short set by pianist Matt McMahon, in trio with Jonathan Zwartz and Simon Barker. As well as some stunning (and rather neat) piano compositions, this set featured some absolutely exquisite solos from all concerned … I’m left with the feeling that this was the best live music I’ve seen in Sydney for a very long time.
CAL CLUGSTON, Revolver.

“Musicians Matt McMahon, James Muller and Andrew Robson are the face of young Australian Jazz. That they have contributed musically so much to our culture already speaks volumes for the potential they possess and how much enjoyment and stimulation we can expect them to provide in the future. McMahon is a wonderfully allusive player, at times floating quietly on a breeze, then suddenly rumbling through a tune as if looking for a fight.”
CRAIG N PEARCE, Drum Media.