Biography
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Heralded by BBC Music Magazine as 'a distinctive new voice in a crowded scene’, saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael continues to move from strength to strength and grow his reach globally with his powerfully emotive blend of Jazz and Folk music. He has performed throughout Europe at Celtic Connections, Ronnie Scott’s, Love Supreme, Bimhuis as well as being a guest soloist with the Grammy Award winning WDR Big Band in Germany were his music was arranged by Bob Mintzer.
Matt’s debut album ‘Where Will The River Flow’ was critically acclaimed, amassing over 5 Million streams and he was subsequently signed to the renowned Jazz label Edition Records who released his second album ‘Marram’ in October 2022. Some of the musicians Matt has collaborated with include Fergus McCreadie, Rob Luft, Bob Mintzer, WDR Big Band, corto.alto, Charlie Stewart, Brìghde Chaimbeul, Kathleen MacInness, Liv Andrea Hauge, Innes White, Juliette Lemoine, Kim Carnie and Rachel Sermanni.
Long
Matt Carmichael, a talented tenor saxophonist hailing from the burgeoning Scottish jazz scene, has made his mark with his debut album on Edition Records. With a captivating blend of lyrical jazz and lilting folk melodies, ‘Marram’ showcases Matt’s immense musical talent alongside award-winning fiddle player Charlie Stewart, as well as his long-time collaborators Fergus McCreadie, Ali Watson, and Tom Potter. This lively and energetic album solidifies Matt’s position as one of Scotland’s leading young performers.
Having won the prestigious Peter Whittingham Development award in 2019 and being a finalist in the BBC’s young jazz musician competition in 2020, Matt has already established himself as a dynamic improviser and performer. His talent has been recognized by being long-listed for the Scottish Album of the Year award in 2021. Recently, Matt had the honor of performing with Germany’s esteemed WDR Big Band, led by guest conductor Bob Mintzer, who arranged music from Matt’s first and second albums.
‘Marram’ takes its name from the swaying grass of the Scottish coastline and is heavily influenced by Matt’s deep connection to the country’s folk tradition. The album beautifully combines Matt’s jazz background with Scotland’s vernacular musical heritage, resulting in powerfully evocative and emotive compositions.
Based in Glasgow, saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael presents his second album, ‘Marram,’ which captures the openness and emotiveness of the Scottish coastal landscape. This record represents a vibrant and creative scene emerging outside of capital cities, where individualism and innovation thrive. Matt Carmichael is one of the leading voices in Glasgow’s burgeoning jazz scene, bringing a unique focus on melodic improvisation rooted in folk music.
‘Marram’ draws inspiration from the dramatic moods and expansiveness of Scotland’s coastal imagery. The music reflects the open and emotive qualities that Matt aims to convey, with the sea serving as a metaphor for escapism, flow, and the push and pull of emotions. Matt’s desire to transport listeners through his music is evident, as he captures the calmness and tempestuousness of the sea, expressing various moods, energies, and elements of nature.
Following his highly successful self-released debut album, ‘Where Will The River Flow,’ Matt’s debut album, ‘Marram,’ further showcases his compositional identity and musical vision. The album garnered critical acclaim and amassed over 2 million streams, establishing Matt as a distinctive voice in the contemporary music landscape. It also led to an invitation from the GRAMMY Award-winning WDR Big Band to perform as a guest soloist.
‘Marram’ represents a natural progression from ‘Where Will The River Flow,’ as Matt’s compositions continue to evolve and explore new horizons. With a clearer vision and confidence in his sound world, Matt aims to evoke drama and emotional responses, transporting listeners away from everyday life. Drawing from his experiences in both jazz and folk music, Matt combines the most interesting aspects of each genre, placing a strong focus on melody and collective improvisation.
Looking ahead, ‘Marram’ is set to be a defining album in Matt Carmichael’s career. It showcases his individuality, honesty, and deep musicality, setting him on a path of discovery towards new horizons. In an ever-crowded music landscape, ‘Marram’ stands out as a seminal record that will undoubtedly propel Matt to a more global audience, solidifying his place as a true talent to watch.