Matt Von Roderick and the Inspirational CELESTIAL HEART
Matt Von Roderick may be the alternative jazz crooner-trumpeter we’ve been waiting for. With equal parts innovative jazz virtuosity and heart-centered vocals, trailblazer Von Roderick mines the essence of classic jazz, rock and electronica on CELESTIAL HEART and hits his mark.
Featuring legendary drummer Jim Keltner (John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Steely Dan), adventurous studio ace Mike Valerio and orchestration wizard Gil Goldstein (Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny), CELESTIAL HEART leads with Von Roderick’s out-of-this-world treatment of Fly Me To The Moon, perhaps even more true to the original song lyrics — a version you didn’t realize you needed until you hear it for the first time.
Utilizing his now signature multiphonics, loops and spoken word, CELESTIAL HEART cements Von Roderick’s place within the pantheon of the real-deal singing trumpeter. Where some may be content to merely play ‘at’ the jazz tradition and American Songbook, Von Roderick reinvents — creating compelling new worlds within these beloved, timeless structures.
Rounding out the proceedings on CELESTIAL HEART are a nod to Mose Allison with the earthy blues track The Seventh Son featuring veteran bluesmen Johnny Lee Schell and Barry Goldberg, Herbie Hancock's Cantaloupe Island, three entirely improvised pieces, and a stark, hauntingly beautiful I Fall In Love Too Easily.
Produced by Rob Feinfield, recorded in Los Angeles at Ultratone studios and set for a Summer release via BFD/Sony/Orchard, Matt Von Roderick’s CELESTIAL HEART stands poised to perk up a whole lot of tired ears in the jazz world and beyond.
CELESTIAL HEART Track Listing:
1) FLY ME TO THE MOON
2) WAKING UP ON MARS
3) THE SEVENTH SON
4) CREPUSCULE ON JUPITER
5) CANTALOUPE ISLAND
6) PLAYING AMONG THE STARS
7) I FALL IN LOVE TOO EASILY
"A top-drawer trumpeter who also sings like an angel obscured by a storm cloud....dreamy...gorgeously windswept.."
-JazzTimes Magazine
"...a post-millennial Chet Baker...further polishes a trumpet and vocals package."
-The New York Times
“...what Miles Davis might search for if the innovative jazz trumpeter were still alive.”
-AXS
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Flying high in the rarified air of innovative jazz trumpeter and heart-centered crooner, Matt Von Roderick has been hailed as “a post-millennial Chet Baker” by the New York Times and "a top-drawer trumpeter who also sings like an angel obscured by a storm cloud” by JazzTimes Magazine.
Possessing a classic sense of showmanship, Matt’s uplifting message and poignant sound have been featured among the world’s most celebrated venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. If you can imagine a one-of-a-kind trumpet virtuosity paired with dreamy vocals, deeply authentic jazz roots and soaring soundscapes, you’re beginning to conjure the artistry of Matt Von Roderick.
Von Roderick has enjoyed working with many of the most respected names in jazz and beyond, including Brad Mehldau, Kenny Werner, Antonio Sanchez, Chris Potter, Neil Diamond, Dionne Warwick and The Saturday Night Live Band. Von Roderick and his clarion tone have appeared in numerous film and television spots including SNL and The Ellen Show, as well as at events with best-selling author and spiritual activist Marianne Williamson. Matt is grateful to have received a myriad of coveted awards for his music, including being named the 1st place winner of The Independent Music Awards Jazz Category as judged by progressive Rock icon Lou Reed, awarded as finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, and a recipient of the Vilar Global Fellowship, dubbed the "Rhodes Scholarship" of the performing arts by The New York Times.
Von Roderick often combines his lush tones with adventurous vocal/trumpet multiphonics, a dash of loops and contemporary spoken word to create what the International Trumpet Guild calls “exquisite”, while Downbeat Magazine describes his musical approach as being “Zen-like”.
Matt Von Roderick prioritizes the spiritual aspects of music. He seeks to make a positive impact in this world. It is his great joy to bring you joy.
