CONRAD: Last year, you did a
concert in Las Vegas with a 17-piece band.
What was it like filling in the shoes of legends such as Frank Sinatra,
Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and all the other greats?
MATT: I’ve been performing in Vegas on and off for the last 8 years,
but haven’t had the opportunity to perform with a big band. Las Vegas music IS big band music…
It’s obvious; Casinos are always blasting it in the lobby. For me LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS was an
opportunity to perform some of my favorite big band tunes,
CONRAD: This album is sort
of a return to the roots of jazz singing for you. Do you find it easier to sing jazz standards
vs. pop material or is it all just the same in your opinion?
MATT: Jazz music is much
easier for me to sing because I have a real love for standards, I’ve been singing
thin music for almost 16 years. The
more you do it, the better you become. However I’ve discovered there is no ”finish
line” in music. You ‘re always learning
CONRAD: What is it about Chet Baker and his music that intrigued you
so much to do this recording?
MATT: I first discovered Chet
Baker when I was a teenager. His
instrumental music was played a lot on the local jazz radio station. I was amazed at the way he played so softly
and beautifully… I wanted to try and capture those moments in my voice on the
new album. I’ve noticed the younger
generation doesn’t know anything about Chet Baker, so by doing this album, I
hope it will bring greater attention to the great 40 year career that Chet
Baker had.
CONRAD: I know that you
received beginning training singing classical music at St. Michael’s Choir
School. What was the catalyst of
transitioning from classical to jazz?
MATT: When I was in my teen
years, I discovered “crooning” To be honest I found the music fun loving,
almost cheesy. Soon after I discovered
a little thing called Karaoke, and I quickly realized I could have my own big
band behind me… well, almost! I took my
karaoke tapes to a few talent nights, and realized it was a great way to meet
girls! I said to myself “I don’t care
what kind of music this is… I’m gonna do this for the rest of my life!”.
CONRAD: When I first heard
you, I had to admit that you were a copy of Frank Sinatra at first. Was it a struggle for you over the years to
find your own voice or singing your own material has helped create your own
voice?
MATT: Everybody has a
mentor, and the best way to learn is to copy someone. You use them as a point of reference, and
over time you begin to develop your own style. I was fortunate enough to be
taught by Bob Fenton, a piano player at York University. Sadly, Bob is no longer with us, however he
taught me how to sing lyrically, just like the crooners had learned long ago.
CONRAD: In this album, you
have special guests ranging from Emilie Claire Barlow, Guido Basso, Ryan
Ahlwardt and Arturo Sandoval. Describe
to me what was it like working with these people and how each one of them contributed
to the flavour of the project.
MATT: Most musicians know
who Chet Baker is, and know how amazing he was. The reason I chose Arturo Sandoval as the
main soloist was because although he is known for playing high and loud, Arturo
can play very quietly and tenderly. This
can be heard on his album “ A Time for Love”.
I’ve known Emilie Claire Barlow for a long time, and thought her voice
would be perfect as a duet on “Embraceable You”
It is one the highlights of the album.
I’ve played with Guido Basso throughout the years, and his tone on the
flugelhorn is legendary. When doing a
tribute to a great trumpet and flugal player, you have to include him, as he is
legend in his own right. Ryan Ahlwardt
did vocal arrangement of “I Fall In Love To Easily” which was a throwback to
the Pied Piper’s vocal ensemble work.
Both him and I have a love for that old crooning vocal style.
CONRAD: So upon release of
this album, is there a tour in the works?
MATT: I’ll be touring across
Europe, Asia and North America throughout 2013, with a full Canadian Tour in
the fall of 2013.
CONRAD: Who is your all time
favourite singer, and why?
MATT: Frank Sinatra. I’ve
always been enamored by his voice. Lucky
for me, I sing in the same range as he does, so it was always easy to figure
out how’d I sound on his tunes. Sinatra also had a way of singing loud, then
tenderly, and had amazing breath control… man could that guy sing! He was a great inspiration for a young singer
in their teens. (me!)
CONRAD: What is your all
time favourite album, and why?
MATT: My favourite album is
Frank Sinatra’s “In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning.” When I was going through my first breakup, my
jazz ensemble teacher, Mark Eisenman, told me to listen to it. I was hooked.
I still love the album today, can play it anytime and never get bored of
it. Chet Baker sang a song called, Deep
In A Dream, which is also on “Wee small…” I love Chet’s version even more and
had to include it on my latest album.
CONRAD: In your opinion, do
you think that classic jazz music has a thriving future ahead?
MATT: Good music never
dies. The music business will change,
but not the love and passion for good music.
It believes it will be nearly impossible to have #1 world wide hit in
the jazz/classical genre, but it’s not needed.
Both genre’s have lasted for decades and have become a truly
unforgettable genre. Most genres have
difficulty lasting A DECADE! I truly
believe that jazz and classical music will always be available to the
discerning ear.
(Matt Dusk and Me...The Best of Friends)
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