10 Questions with
WILL MATTHEWS

Since January of 1996, KC-based jazz guitarist Will Matthews has been a member of the world renowned Count Basie Orchestra. There he has had the opportunity to back such greats as Joe Williams and Tony Bennett while appearing on multiple Basie band recordings, including two Grammy winners. (Matthews' first release as a leader, Solo, is available at www.tower.com, www.amazon.com, www.jazzloft.com, area Borders Books & Music, the Swing Shop at the American Jazz Museum, the Best of Kansas City, and at Unity Temple on the Plaza. See the February/March 2001 JAM for a review.)

The Count Basie Orchestra and Will Matthews will be making an always-welcome KC homecoming on September 14-15 when they join forces with the Kansas City Symphony as part of the Symphony's "Nightlights Pops Series" at the Music Hall. Showtime both nights is 8:00 p.m. JAM recently had the chance to talk with the guitarist about an active career in jazz. We opened with an unavoidable question.

JAM: How does it feel sitting in the same seat once occupied by the legendary Freddie Green?

WM: Total elation. I've been blessed. I never envisioned myself sitting in Freddie Green's chair. But here I am! And I'm having big fun with it. It's been an opportunity to learn more about his style and also work on some other areas of my playing.

JAM: There is a long-standing tradition for that member of the Basie band to only comp. Does that get monotonous?

WM: Not at all. Playing rhythm is something that grew up with the guitar. And nobody did it like Freddie... moving those three-note voicings around, creating little melodies in his rhythm part, playing four-to-the-bar. That "chonk, chonk, chonk" is a big part of the groove. It keeps the rhythm section tight and swingin'.

JAM: What's your favorite chart in the Basie book?

WM: There are so many great charts in the Basie book. One of my favorites is one we don't do anymore, "The Comeback." And, of course, "Shiny Stockings" does it for me every time.

JAM: The Basie Orchestra's touring schedule has kept you pretty busy the last five years. How do you feel about the road?

WM: The road is part of the package. We have to go where the work is, and that's all over the country, as well as overseas.

JAM: You've also kept busy over the years in different small groups, appearing with people like Kevin Mahogany, Claude "Fiddler" Williams and Bobby Watson. Which do you prefer: big band or small group? And why?

WM: There's nothing like playing in the Basie Band. It has the kind of power you can't get from a small group. On the other hand, a small group is the perfect place to blow. I especially like playing with an organist, because the two instruments don't get in each other's way and it really swings.

JAM: Who are some of your favorite guitarists?

WM: There are many and they're not all jazz players. Whenever I need some inspiration I put on anything with Wes Montgomery. That does it every time. There's also Oscar Moore, John Collins, Phil Upchurch, Joe Pass, Albert King, Tony Madden, John Williams... the list can go on and on.

JAM: There are those who feel that big bands have been dead for years. What's your response to that?

WM: Well, there are not as many working big bands out there as there were, say, in the '30s or '40s. But it's not dead. The Ellington band is still touring. So is the Mingus Big Band, Lincoln Center, Maria Schneider's big band. I think the Glenn Miller band still tours, too.

JAM: Are you optimistic about the future of jazz?

WM: There's always going to be another generation of musicians on every instrument, all over the world, studying and playing jazz music. So, I feel the future of the music is bright.

JAM: What will it take to keep jazz in good health right here in Kansas City?

WM: We can always use more support and patronage at concerts and at venues where there's live music. Also, the mentoring and nurturing of young, upcoming musicians is something that has to be part of the equation.

JAM: Is coming back to Kansas City with the Basie band something special for you? Or is it just another night on the road?

WM: I was born, raised and still live here in KC. The Basie band was born here as well. So, I'm excited to have the opportunity to perform with the band in its birthplace and mine. Also, it's always nice to play for your family and friends, and the people you grew up with from the neighborhood. So, yes, it's special.



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