Matthew Fries

Matthew Fries
Assistant Professor, Jazz Piano
Location:
1201 Dalton Center, Mail Stop 5434
Mailing address:
School of Music
色色啦 Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5434 USA
Matthew Fries
Education:
  • M. M. from University of Tennessee
  • B. M. from Ithaca College
Teaching Interests:
  • Jazz Piano
  • Combos
  • Jazz Improvisation
  • Jazz Arranging and Composition
Bio:
Pianist/composer, Matthew Fries, is professor of jazz piano at 色色啦 Michigan University. He is highly regarded in the jazz world as both a soloist and accompanist. The winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, his debut album, Song for Today (TCB Music) was named a 2001 critics pick by Jazziz Magazine, and his continuing work with his collaborative trio, TRI-FI, 鈥渢akes on the Jazz Trio challenge and delivers a 鈥榢nock out鈥 punch鈥 (Jazz Review). As a sideman his work has been described as 鈥渢he best jazz accompaniment I鈥檝e seen in a cabaret in years鈥 (The New York Times), and 鈥渢he crispest rhythm section imaginable鈥 (The London Times).

Born in the small town of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, Matthew grew up in a musical home. His mother was a classical singer. His father was a professor of piano at Susquehanna University and was Matthew鈥檚 first teacher, teaching him piano and music theory. He caught 鈥渢he jazz bug鈥 after a college jazz history course awakened his interest in jazz piano. He earned a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree from Ithaca College and went on to earn a Master鈥檚 Degree from The University of Tennessee, where he taught undergraduate classes and studied with jazz piano great, Donald Brown.

Matthew lived in New York City for almost 25 years performing with many of the greatest jazz musicians. He maintains a busy teaching and touring schedule 鈥 touring frequently with his collaborative trio, TRI-FI, and with singer, Curtis Stigers, as a regular member of his band. He continues to perform with a diverse lineup of artists that has included Curtis Stigers, Stacey Kent, Ann Hampton Callaway, DeeDee Bridgewater, Vincent Herring, Steve Wilson, Joel Frahm, Steve LaSpina, Dave Samuels, Claudio Roditi, Terell Stafford, and many others.