BEN MATTHEWS

Biography

Ben Matthews was drawn to the piano at a young age, following a passion for artistic expression through improvisation and composition. He performs in a unique style that blends genres drawing influence from jazz legends like Herbie Hancock and Oscar Peterson, and from soundtrack titans like John Williams and Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli), and from other pianistic composers like Ludovico Einaudi and Ryuichi Sakamoto.

After a decade performing as both a sideman and bandleader with some of Australia’s top-tier musicians, WAAPA graduate jazz pianist and contemporary keyboardist Ben Matthews turned his focus to composition in late 2015. In 2016, he wrote and recorded the following projects: an original jazz soundtrack to THQ Nordic’s game ‘This Is The Police’; an original jazz/instrumental neo-soul double-CD release, ‘LiveWyre’; a collaborative E.P. of contemporary ballads with vocalist Edwina Masson entitled ‘An Open Letter of Imperfections’; a seven track, entirely improvised solo piano album, ‘My Story’; music for the short film ‘Lightbulb’; and two improvised solo piano singles, ‘Indulge in a Daydream’ and ‘Uncertain Times’. In 2017 a second solo piano album ‘Memoir’ was improvised. In early 2018, Ben was commissioned to fly to Norway to compose and record for game title “This Is The Police 2”, creating a rich and diverse soundtrack featuring a blending nordic folk instruments into the world music, 60’s jazz and fusion genres. This project included collaborations with composer Kevin Penkin (Tower of God, Made in Abyss, Florence the game), producer Jia Lih, vocalist Holli Scott. In 2019 Matthews was nominated for Best Keys/Synth Artist for the 2019 Western Australian Music (WAM) Awards. Ben’s piano and keyboard work can also be heard on the 2020 ‘Tower of God’ anime series’ original soundtrack.

Over the years, five of Ben’s compositions have been finalists for WAM Song of the Year awards (2011, 2015, 2016, 2018). His latest release, ‘A Soundtrack to Unwritten Cinema’ (2020) is a fourth improvised solo piano album that guides the listener through deeply personal, emotional experiences with pianistic soundscapes. Ben’s current aspiration is to create honest and emotional music that balances creativity and accessibility.

Treat your guests to some live jazz with a band tailored to suit any occasion. Ben Matthews Ensembles combines the talent of Australia’s in-demand jazz musicians to provide an atmosphere of warmth and class at private functions, weddings and corporate events. Below are some examples of some of our acts, accompanied by live recordings of each. To discuss your function needs, please get in touch with me at [email protected].

Providing ambience of a relaxing and intimate nature, Ben’s solo piano sound is a contemplative blend of jazz (Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Hiromi Uehara), classical (Ravel, Chopin, Ryuichi Sakamoto) and contemporary soundtrack music (Hans Zimmer, Nobuo Uematsu, Joe Hisaishi).

The instrumental jazz duo or trio provides something a little louder and a little livelier, and is reminiscent of more traditional instrumental jazz music, utilising repertoire from the Great American Songbook.  Inviting a horn player (saxophone or trumpet) or a bassist to join the piano allows for music best suited to medium sized venues.

For the duo dynamic, adding the upright bass provides a deeper and warmer sound. Adding a horn is ideal for cutting through louder venues, ensuring the music is comfortably audible amongst background noise and chatter.

Drawing influence from the likes of Oscar Peterson, Brad Mehldau and Bill Evans’ iconic jazz ensembles, this is most popular ensemble experience. The jazz trio format offers a versatile and dynamic sound and is suitable for any occasion or setting.

Creative, energetic and modern – the instrumental quartet features the engine room of the jazz trio with some extra punch from the sax’.

Biography

Ben Matthews was drawn to the piano at a young age, following a passion for artistic expression through improvisation and composition. He performs in a unique style that blends genres drawing influence from jazz legends like Herbie Hancock and Oscar Peterson, and from soundtrack titans like John Williams and Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli), and from other pianistic composers like Ludovico Einaudi and Ryuichi Sakamoto.

After a decade performing as both a sideman and bandleader with some of Australia’s top-tier musicians, WAAPA graduate jazz pianist and contemporary keyboardist Ben Matthews turned his focus to composition in late 2015. In 2016, he wrote and recorded the following projects: an original jazz soundtrack to THQ Nordic’s game ‘This Is The Police’; an original jazz/instrumental neo-soul double-CD release, ‘LiveWyre’; a collaborative E.P. of contemporary ballads with vocalist Edwina Masson entitled ‘An Open Letter of Imperfections’; a seven track, entirely improvised solo piano album, ‘My Story’; music for the short film ‘Lightbulb’; and two improvised solo piano singles, ‘Indulge in a Daydream’ and ‘Uncertain Times’. In 2017 a second solo piano album ‘Memoir’ was improvised. In early 2018, Ben was commissioned to fly to Norway to compose and record for game title “This Is The Police 2”, creating a rich and diverse soundtrack featuring a blending nordic folk instruments into the world music, 60’s jazz and fusion genres. This project included collaborations with composer Kevin Penkin (Tower of God, Made in Abyss, Florence the game), producer Jia Lih, vocalist Holli Scott. In 2019 Matthews was nominated for Best Keys/Synth Artist for the 2019 Western Australian Music (WAM) Awards. Ben’s piano and keyboard work can also be heard on the 2020 ‘Tower of God’ anime series’ original soundtrack.

Over the years, five of Ben’s compositions have been finalists for WAM Song of the Year awards (2011, 2015, 2016, 2018). His latest release, ‘A Soundtrack to Unwritten Cinema’ (2020) is a fourth improvised solo piano album that guides the listener through deeply personal, emotional experiences with pianistic soundscapes. Ben’s current aspiration is to create honest and emotional music that balances creativity and accessibility.