Rick VanMatre, one of the most innovative saxophonists within jazz and classical music, has given solo recitals as well as performances at jazz clubs in the US, Europe and Israel. His unique and distinctive voice is well-known for his ability to bring a unique perspective to many genres. In addition to leading his own ensembles with original music, his collaborations have included commissions and premieres of unique crossover works featuring art installation, aleatoric computer music, organ, vocal ensemble, Indian music, drama, and multimedia presentations entitled “Earthkind-Humankind” showcasing poetry and dance. His performances have included the Duke Ellington Orchestra, led by Mercer Ellington; the Woody Herman Orchestra, led by Frank Tiberi; Roland Vazquez’s contemporary Latin groups; and artists such as Gene Bertoncini, John McNeil, Tim Hagans and Gene Bertoncini. The PsychoAcoustic Orchestra and the Kim Pensyl Ensemble have recorded him as a featured jazz soloist. He is a classical saxophonist and has recorded interactive drama/music videos along with composer/bassist Frank Proto. He has also performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Rochester Philharmonic. The New Third Stream Saxophone Quartet is an innovative jazz-classical ensemble that holds him in the soprano position. The Chicago Star stated that VanMatre’s “art is without comparison”, that his technique was “exact, yet smooth, and his expression was poignant and personal,” and that the Cincinnati Enquirer said that VanMatre was a “conductor” and directed programs for NPR and American Jazz Radio Festival. He also directed programs for artists such as Slide Hampton, Joe Henderson and Joshua Redman. Kenny Werner and Kenny Wheeler. He was the interviewer and on-air host for “Jazz-Live From the Hyatt”, a nationally syndicated radio program featuring John Clayton and Joe Lovano. He is an adjunct professor of saxophone at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and a Professor Emeritus of jazz studies. He was previously the conservatory’s Director for Jazz Studies. He was responsible for creating the MM and DMA in Jazz Studies, expanding the BM and Jazz Studies, and establishing Jazz Recording Studio. He was also the CCM’s Director of Jazz Studies. This series featured over 150 jazz musicians and composers like Wynton Marsalis and Christian McBride. He was also the conductor of CCM Jazz Ensemble and produced five CDs for Sea Breeze Records. Serenade in Blue was nominated for a Grammy in the first round. It was also praised by Cadence magazine as a necessary part of every big-band fan’s library. He also presented lectures and performances at the International Association for Jazz Education and Music Educators National Conferences, North American Saxophone Alliance and World Saxophone Congress. Saxophone Journal has published his work, he was an Executive Board Member and Jazz Coordinator at NASA, and he was also President of the Ohio Unit of National Association of Jazz Educators. He was also on the Editorial Advisory board for the Saxophone Symposium. He was named Cincinnati Magazine’s “Best Jazz Musician”, Midwest Jazz magazine’s “reed giant”, and Ohio Jazz Educator Award winner by NAJE. CCM students also awarded him the “Ernest N. Glover Outstanding Teaching Teacher” award. He studied at the College-Conservatory of Music and Berklee College of Music for his undergraduate degree. He also received his MM (Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media), from the Eastman School of Music. Many of his former students perform across the country, while others teach at universities. Mr. VanMatre endorses Selmer Saxophones. from http://rickvanmatre.com
