Guitarist/composer Matthew Charles Heulitt has been around for a while, gigging for over a decade in drumming master Zigaboo Modeliste's funk band. Heulitt is also a member of ex-Weather Report and Mahavishnu Orchestra drummer Narada Michael Walden's band; it is therefore no surprise that he displays an acute rhythmic sense in his playing. In fact, Heulitt's approach to the guitar stems from the way he hears other instruments; he adapts the agility of the piano and horns into his playing, and his tone and touch are influenced by the soulfulness of wind instruments. His debut recording as leader, Room to Run (Self Produced, 2009), is an excellent showcase of his talents as a versatile guitarist of uncommon sensibility—exploring material from jazz to rock, folk and ambient— and as a composer of maturity and imagination.
All About Jazz's Far East correspondent, Ian Patterson, spoke with Heulitt recently, about lessons learned from working with Walden, about the guitarist's latest release, Room to Run (Self Produced, 2009), and about hope for the future and a return to greater creativity and innovation.
Check out Matthew Charles Heulitt: Sonic Magician at All About Jazz today!
All About Jazz's Far East correspondent, Ian Patterson, spoke with Heulitt recently, about lessons learned from working with Walden, about the guitarist's latest release, Room to Run (Self Produced, 2009), and about hope for the future and a return to greater creativity and innovation.
Check out Matthew Charles Heulitt: Sonic Magician at All About Jazz today!
