Matt Slocum©Andrea Canter

“The trio’s communication is palpable—each player’s effervescence supporting and lifting each other and the music to higher grounds… Present day jazz is clearly not stagnate in the very good hands (and sticks) of Matt Slocum.”  -All About Jazz 

One of his generation's most highly regarded drummers and composers, St. Paul native Matt Slocum holds a homecoming party in celebration of his second recording, After the Storm, at the Artists Quarter on October 21-22. He brings along an equally esteemed pair of bandmates, pianist Sam Yahel and bassist Massimo Biolcati. With local hero Adam Linz standing in for Biolcati, the trio will also present a free public master class at the AQ on Sunday afternoon.

Born in St. Paul and raised 40 miles away in New Richmond, WI, Matt was exposed to music from early childhood. "My parents are both very hip and they would take us to hear concerts around the area," Matt recalls. "No one in the family was a professional musician…[but] there were instruments around the house for us to play and it was a nice creative environment." His first instrument was the piano, which he began to study at age 9, picking up drums at 11. "I wanted to play the drums right away, but to join the percussion program at school we had to first study piano for two years…My first memory of hearing the drums was actually a marching band--maybe it was a parade or July 4th. The initial attraction was the rhythmic energy and drive of the percussion instruments." Thinking more seriously about music and particularly jazz during high school, Matt noted, "Although there was a good music program at the school, New Richmond isn't exactly a jazz mecca. But, My mom is a Macalester alumna, so she called the college to ask about a drumset instructor." Soon Matt was studying with local drum titan Phil Hey. “Because I didn't have much experience playing jazz, he really helped me out with building a foundation, learning various styles, reading music, working out of Marv Dahlgren's 'Four Way Coordination' and the Philly Joe Jones's brush method book. He stressed the importance of listening to a lot of music…It was a treat to get to hear and study with such a first rate musician."

Matt Slocum©Andrea Canter

And if Slocum was not so firmly on the “jazz map” already, his second recording, After the Storm, should leave no doubt!

After the Storm (2011, Chandra Records)

After The Storm

“It was an ideal situation in which to record, “said Matt. “Performing together each night in the week leading up the recording helped bring us into the possibilities of the music. We were able to go in the studio and just play freely--listening and taking chances rather than needing to think about the technical aspects of the new music. Most of the tracks are first takes; I like the energy, the spontaneity of a first take, and I don’t want it to be too perfect. Intentions are most important and, for me, the core of the music is playing off each other.”  

You might look twice at the CD jacket on hearing the first tracks of After the Storm, expecting to see the ECM label. The crystalline sound, elegant music, even the black and white landscape of the cover suggest the finest European recording team at work. Kudos to the team at System Two Studios and engineer Mike Marciano. 

Of the covers, “Easy to Remember” from Rogers and Hart showcases the delicate touch and gentle passion of Clayton, the idyllic counterpoint (and soloing) of Biolcati, the shimmering backgrounds of Slocum.  “We try to get inside not just the melody, harmony and rhythmic shape of a piece, but also the emotional feeling and message. Gerald’s introduction and interpretation really relate to the lyric and the bittersweet nature of this composition,” notes Slocum. Cole Porter gets his due with a swinging “Everything I Love,” which perhaps displays everything we love about the Matt Slocum Trio---telepathic communication among the musicians with each contributing his unique artistry to a larger whole. Matt propels the tune via brushes and sticks, shimmer and splatter, with Massimo ensuring a regular, well energized heartbeat; the range of Gerald’s chops—from soft-spoken to assertively playful—shines throughout. On Ravel’s “La Vallée des Cloches,” Clayton’s symphonic sweeps are given weight by Slocum’s judicious rolls, tinkles and thuds, and Biolcati’s resonant lines. The elegance of Ravel and the dramatic flair of Slocum’s arrangement make a great pairing, and the use of space further evokes considerable drama for a mere trio. 

Massimo Biolcati

With a few months left in the year, I am confident After the Storm will remain on my list of favorites for 2011… and simply on my list of favorite piano trios for the foreseeable future. Matt Slocum’s talents as a drummer are undeniable, but his talents as composer and arranger truly set him apart from most of his peers, regardless of instrument. 

Gig and Master Class at the Artists Quarter

With keyboard titan Sam Yahel taking over for Clayton on tour, the Matt Slocum Trio will spend two glorious nights at the Artists Quarter, October 21-22. On October 23, Slocum and Yahel will team up with bassist Adam Linz to present a free public master class on developing an ensemble as well as personal voice.  With a grant from MetLife and additional support from the Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education and Twin Cities Jazz Society, the master class will be held at the Artists Quarter on Sunday, October 23, 12:30- 2 pm. The high school ensemble, The Dakota Combo, directed by Linz, will serve as the “demo” group.

The Artists Quarter is located at 408 St Peter Street in downtown St. Paul; www.artistsquarter.com. Sets at 9 pm; $15 cover. No charge for Master Class. 

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