Matt Garrity

 “Matt is a swinging drummer and true keeper of the flame.”   -Vincent Herring, saxophonist

Drummer, Matt Garrity has been on the New York music scene since 1994. He has performed and recorded with some of the best in the business, including Grammy winners: Joe Lovano, Vincent Herring and Steve Slagle, as well as David Williams, Teri Thornton, Peter Bernstein, David Amram, Eric Alexander, Judi Silvano, Gary Versace, Ron McLure, Ed Cherry, Joel Forrester, Jeremy Pelt and Jerome Richardson.

Originally from Ithaca, NY, Matt attended William Paterson College’s jazz studies program in the early nineties and has studied with renowned performers/ educators John Riley, Horacee Arnold, Rufus Reid, Harold Mabern, Carl Allen, Bill Goodwin, and Ed Shaughnessy, among others. 

Matt has since made a name for himself in the music world, recording and performing with some of the biggest names in jazz at some of NYC’s most prestigious venues, including…The Blue Note, Birdland, Smalls, Mezzrow, Smoke, Minton’s Playhouse, The Jazz Standard, The Kitano Hotel, and The Knitting Factory. 

Matt is also involved in education. He has worked for The National Music Workshop, Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, The Turtle Bay Music School, The Henry Street Settlement in Manhattan. He currently teaches at Rock Academy in Woodstock, NY as well as private lessons at his studio and online.

“Matt is one of the best young drummers on the New York Jazz scene today.”

-Teri Thornton, singer/ pianist

Garrity has also toured extensively, including Northwest tours with pianist, Clay Giberson, a summer jazz series at The Baltimore Museum of Art with Grammy winner, Vincent Herring’s Quartet, Midwest shows with master Brand X bassist, Percy Jones, East Coast tours with Grape Jam and West Coast tours with the prolific pianist and composer, Joel Forrester. 

“A swinging drummer. And he plays the tune!!”   

-Joel Forrester, pianist/ composer

Matt played with Forrester’s working trio and quintet for close to 20 years. Forrester, who was recently featured in Downbeat Magazine, composed the theme for National Public Radio’s “FRESH AIR” with Terry Gross and is also a founding member of The Microscopic Septet. 

Matt has recorded three albums with Forrester on The Ride Symbol Record label. 

Garrity is also featured on the 2023 release by The Alchemists, Alchemy Volume One on Soulsearch Music. A complete improvisatory exploration featuring Todd Horton on trumpet along with Pete Dougan and John Andrews on guitars. 

Garrity appears on pianist Clay Giberson’s 2008 recording,

“Spaceton’s Approach” on Origin Records. 

Origin Records-Buy it now

In addition to receiving national radio play, All About Jazz calls it 
“One of the top piano trio efforts of the year.”

“A high level of three-way spontaneity reigns, with Ambrosio in the groove and Garrity sizzling behind Giberson’s keyboard.”  -All About Jazz

Garrity co-leads the powerhouse organ trio, Grape Jam, featuring Gary Versace on organ and Pete Smith on guitar. 

Rooted in improvisation and groove, the reputation of these world renowned musicians speaks for itself.
The trio has toured extensively and their debut record “Grape Jam” was recorded in 2013 at Applehead Studios in Woodstock, NY.

“Drummer Matt Garrity, always fluidly shifting from staccato fill patterns to soft accompaniments in just the way the composition seems to need.”  -All Music Guide

Since 2017, Garrity has been producing BARNSTOCK, a jazz series from his studio in Woodstock, NY. The space is set in the top floor of a renovated 1911 barn. It’s a warm, intimate setting for hearing some of the best musicians on the scene. 

Peter Bernstein, Teri Roiger, Matt Garrity, John Menegon at Barnstock June 19, 2021

The new outdoor stage under the tall pine trees has added a whole new magical element to this series, and has become a destination for jazz lovers in The Hudson Valley. Garrity’s past collaborations include Ed Cherry, Peter Bernstein, Pete Levin, Peter Einhorn, Bill Ware, Teri Roiger, John Menegon, and Grammy winning artists, Joe Lovano and Steve Slagle.

Matt Garrity, Joe Lovano, John Menegon at Barnstock Aug. 20, 2022

Matt is a proud SABIAN CYMBALS artist since 2009.

sabian.com

Testimonials/Reviews

“Matt is a swinging drummer and true keeper of the flame.”

-Vincent Herring, saxophonist

“Matt is one of the best young drummers on the New York Jazz scene today.”

-Teri Thornton, singer/ pianist

“A beautiful drummer.” -Joe Lovano, saxophonist

“A swinging drummer. And he plays the tune!!” -Joel Forrester, pianist/ composer

“Delicious!” -Steve Brown, guitarist

“Great ride cymbal beat!” -Eric Alexander, saxophonist

“A high level of three-way spontaneity reigns, with Ambrosio in the groove and Garrity sizzling behind Giberson’s keyboard.” -All About Jazz

“A low thunder rumble of drums punctuated by cymbal lightning flashes as the intensity level builds before a fade into a restrained yet rollicking Garrity drum solo.” -All About Jazz

“Drummer Matt Garrity, always fluidly shifting from staccato fill patterns to soft accompaniments in just the way the composition seems to need.” -All Music Guide

“Forrester’s lyrical “Il Pleut” represents a rainy day in Paris and has a semi-classical air, well supported by subtle bass and adept cymbal work.” -Ken Dryden, NYC Jazz Record

“Matt has abundant talent. He has a spirit of enthusiasm and an outstanding emphasis on quality in his performances.” -Ed Shaughnessy, Drummer for Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show”