"Key Master" Matt King Interview
www.MattKingMusician.com
Interview by Roger Zee (10/22/21)
Roger Zee: Who inspired you to take up the piano? Do you sing or play any other instruments?
Matt King: My mother, I think. A vocalist herself, she read music fairly well and accompanied herself at the piano. We owned two of them. She did a lot of a cappella singing around the house while she cleaned, cooked, or whatever. However, she also played records or listened to the radio much of the time. I learned to use the record player as a toddler, no doubt scratching the hell out of the discs, which kept me amused and out of her hair.
More importantly, though, I clearly recollect hearing something that I liked on a particular record. Then reached up to the piano and tried to play along. I did this so much, perhaps with some degree of success, that when I turned five, she found me a piano teacher and I began lessons.
As to singing, I came to that rather late in the game -- about twenty years ago. After the initial terror of singing in public, I found that I really enjoy doing it and that on a good day, my voice sounds decent!
I also started playing drums at a fairly early age, as my older brother received a set for Christmas but quickly abandoned it. I absolutely LOVE drumming, although I’m not particularly good.
RZ: Tell me about some of the musicians and groups you've gigged and recorded with.
MK: I feel so fortunate to perform and record with so many talented artists in many genres. Most of my touring work came with Blood, Sweat & Tears and the late, great guitarist, Chuck Loeb. I also performed with Blues legend Earl King, vocalist Phoebe Snow, and Jazz artists such as Benny Golson, Charles McPherson, Billy Hart, Rufus Reid, Vic Juris, Gil Parris, and Dave Stryker. Played as well with such notable Brazilian musicians as Leny Andrade, Claudio Roditi, Chico Pinheiro, and Nilson Matta.
In my solo work, I've fronted various ensembles at venues all over the NY metropolitan area. I also produced three albums: "Welcome, Christmas," my jazz arrangements of holiday favorites; "Kaleidoscope," featuring my original compositions; and "Monk In Brazil," Thelonious Monk songs set to Brazilian rhythms.
RZ: What keyboards/amps/mic do you currently use?
MK: I play an 88-key Nord Stage EX as my main instrument. On certain gigs I also use an archaic Korg PA60. For many years, I've used Yorkville Sound amps. I play a Hammond B3 at home, but that instrument never "travels." However, I still prefer my first love, the acoustic piano! As to a vocal mic, I use an off-brand one, nothing worth citing.
RZ: What and how do you practice.
MK: I do some exercises from Hanon’s "The Virtuoso Pianist" for finger strength and dexterity. Also work with some play-alongs, particularly up-tempo jazz tracks, to try and stay sharp. I usually go through a couple of my own exercises that focus on strengthening the weakest fingers, four and five. When learning a new song, I try to get somewhat familiar with it in all twelve keys, time permitting. I try to keep a few classical pieces "seaworthy" as well.
RZ: Do you teach music privately?
MK: Yes, I teach jazz piano, theory, and classical piano. I also do some vocal coaching and enjoy "workshopping" with songwriters and composers.
RZ: How has the Pandemic affected you? What's on the horizon?
MK: Well, like every other musician around the world, most of my live gigs in 2020 got canceled. Fortunately, I found some work "composing for hire" during the lockdown which not only generated some much-needed income, but also forced me to upgrade my home studio set-up. Since May this year, things have pretty much gone back to normal, although the Delta variant could potentially wreak some more havoc. I’m trying to remain optimistic!
RZ: Describe your most special and/or unusual gig.
MK: Most special gig: Performing at the Cotton Club in Tokyo for one week with Chuck Loeb and Peter Erskine. Great music, one of best pianos I’ve ever played, studio-quality sound onstage, royal treatment, incredible food every night, reverently appreciative audiences, and a very substantial "stipend."
Most unusual gig: I played at two Army bases in Greenland during the December holidays. Yes, very cold. And dark!
RZ: How do you see the future of the music business?
MK: I really resent the current "all music is basically free" online paradigm. But I'm unsure how to rectify that. Regarding "popular music," it devolved rapidly since the 80's, coinciding with the advent of MTV. However, a couple of years back, watching groundbreaking genius, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and arranger Jacob Collier on the Grammys gave me some hope!
RZ: What advice do you give up-and-coming musicians?
MK: Develop a vision and prepare to sacrifice a lot to realize it. However, also embrace musical eclecticism and keep an open mind. Opportunities can arise in unexpected settings!
RZ: Do you live with any animals?
MK: Does my daughter count? If you saw her bedroom, you’d understand. Otherwise, "No."
RZ: Anything else you'd like to add?
MK: Music, after Love, is the best thing this world has to offer.
YouTube - "Jackie-ing" - Matt King
YouTube - "Christmas Time Is Here" - Matt King
©2021 Roger Zee
