"Tenor Sax" Matthew Garrison Interview
www.MatthewGarrison.com
Interview by Roger Zee (06/10/22)
Roger Zee: Recently heard you play with guitarist Gil Parris and you blew me away! Who inspired you to take up the saxophone? Do you sing or play any other instruments?
Matthew Garrison:
I started playing the alto saxophone at age nine in fourth grade. The Arlington school district I attended in LaGrange, NY offered band and instrument lessons and I applied for saxophone, trumpet, drums, and by a stroke of luck, they gave me the alto. I switched to tenor in sixth grade and never looked back! During later middle school, I started to fool around with the flute and clarinet as well. And I also sing.
RZ: Tell me about some of the musicians and groups you gigged and recorded with.
MG: I play almost every style of music, but would say mostly Jazz. I work often with Eliot Zigmund, pianist Bill Evan’s drummer at one time. I gig as well with Bruce Harris, Alex Smith, Joe Abba, Gil Parris, Jay Azzolina, and John James.
I do a lot of freelance work as well, in and around the tri-state area. And also throw in wedding band and DJ work. I also book my own jazz groups where I perform my original music.
RZ: What instruments/mics do you currently use?
MG: I play a Selmer Mark 6 tenor, a Yamaha soprano, an RS Berkely flute and alto, and a Selmer clarinet. I use mostly Shure microphones.
RZ: Talk about your home studio.
MG: I’m not a big gear head or software guy when it comes to recording. I use Audacity here and there to record tracks for people, but that’s about it. I feel like my strength lies in playing and composing. And most of the time, I don’t feel like I want the distraction of learning a new skill like recording. Maybe someday!
RZ: What and how do you practice?
MG: I treat practice as a real art and since college, I think I really figured out how to do it and use my time efficiently. I try to strike a balance between working on the technical aspects of my instruments and working on the music itself.
My main philosophy is to practice and concentrate on a few aspects of music in the time allotted. I try to make a short list of things I want to cover each time I practice, always seeking to go deeper into one subject at a time.
RZ: Do you teach music privately?
MG: I've taught privately for twenty-four years! Mostly at various after school programs, but never public school. I teach saxophone, flute, and clarinet.
RZ: How has the Pandemic affected you? What's on the horizon?
MG: Luckily, I never stopped teaching during Covid. And I created a song writing campaign during the Pandemic I call "For You, From Me." I wrote about thirty songs during lockdown for people who commissioned me to write a Blues, a longer form song, or one with lyrics -- either for them, or for someone in their life.
I think musicians prove some of the best at adapting to adverse conditions. But a lot of feelings bubble up every time I pick up my horn after the lockdown. I make the most of every playing opportunity!
RZ: Describe your most special and/or unusual gig.
MG: I feel very fortunate to live off gigs and teaching music. I've had the privilege over the years to play with some of the greats and in some very special places. Also I'm lucky enough to enjoy amazing artists as close friends. Living in NY feels special in general. Any time I play in the city, I feel a built-in excitement!
One of my favorite places to play is Smalls Jazz Club in NYC. Every time I work there, it's magical. Something about that room and the spirit of the audience compels me to play my best.
I also used to have a steady Monday night gig in Chinatown at a mixology bar called Apotheke. We played a mix of Jazz and Soul. On any given night, the place would fill up with artists, dancers, photographers, actors, and celebrities. I learned a lot there about how to present myself as a musician, and as a man.
RZ: How do you see the future of the music business?
MG: We will always need live music. Trends come and go. They flow in waves. At times, the business of music seems bleak, but we musicians show too much passion and drive to take a knee and give up. We’re not going anywhere.
But, I would encourage musicians and music lovers to always support live music in their area. So many opportunities in your town to see music, and for free at times. But if no one shows up, the market closes!
RZ: What advice do you give up-and-coming musicians?
MG: Fall in love with the music that moves you. Be yourself, but listen to what other people are doing. Be seen and go out and meet as many people as possible. Be responsible, thorough, prepared, and on time!
RZ: Do you live with any animals?
MG: Not currently. I love animals. My wife and I are big into birds. We share a deep appreciation for nature.
YouTube - "Shin Pop, Swivel Top, Don't Stop" - Matthew Garrison
YouTube - "Bo Bick" - Matthew Garrison
©2022 Roger Zee
