U of T Jazz Studies: Faculty

Matt Brubeck

Cello

Matt Brubeck is a composer/performer specializing in improvisation on the cello. Raised on jazz and classically trained at Yale (BM & MM), Matt is at ease in multiple genres and has taken his cello improvisation skills into diverse musical territories.

Matt’s current projects include the Juno-nominated Brubeck Braid, a duo with jazz pianist David Braid; Ugly Beauties, a trio with pianist Marilyn Lerner and drummer Nick Fraser; Tallboys, a trio with guitarist Kevin Breit, and percussionist Jesse Stewart. Matt and his father, Dave, recently collaborated on a project with Yo-Yo Ma.

During his time in San Francisco, Matt performed with numerous jazz and improv artists including Scott Amendola, Ben Goldberg, and Pamela Z. He founded Oranj Symphonette, which recorded two CD’s for Rykodisc and went on to play the major jazz festivals, from Monterey to Montreal. His eclectic musical adventures include performing and/or recording with Tom Waits, Dixie Chicks, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie MacMaster, and many years with the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra under the leadership of Kent Nagano.

“…the discovery here for me is Matt Brubeck, and his mastery of the cello. Arco, pizzicato, caressing or grooving, he’s a full measure of jazz player, despite the rarity of his axe.”
Ted O’Reilly, Whole Note Magazine

“Matt Brubeck’s facility with the instrument, bowing or plucking, seems to allow him to play whatever occurs to him. His full, deep sound takes on an edge of dramatic urgency when he improvises with the bow….”
Jazz writer Doug Ramsey

U OF T JAZZ/IMPROVISING STRINGS PROGRAM (in development)

U of T Jazz Studies

Matt Brubeck

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