Will Matthews

Kansas City native Will Matthews has been playing the guitar since age thirteen. By age fifteen Matthews began playing in church and performing in R&B bands, taking regional tours during the summer months when school was not in session. During these formidable years Matthews started listening to all the great pioneers of the jazz guitar, from Kenny Burrell, Wes Montgomery and George Benson to Grant Green, Pat Martino and others. By age eighteen Matthews was traveling and touring with groups internationally and making a career in the music business. During the 1970’s – 80’s Matthews was performing with such notable artists as Arthur Prysock, Carmel Jones, Jimmy Witherspoon, Claude “Fiddler” Williams, Jay McShann, Queen Bey, Luqman Hamza, Ahmad Alaadeen, The Bloodstones and The New Breed Orchestra, while in the 1990’s he also worked with Freda Payne, Carmen Bradford, Charles Earland, Ronnell Bright and others. In 1996 Matthews joined the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of former Basie band lead trombonist Grover Mitchell, to fill the coveted chair of the late legendary guitarist and composer, Freddie Green, who performed with the Orchestra for over fifty years. Matthews has played on many studio and live recordings with the Orchestra, including three “Grammy Winning” recordings, starting with ‘Count Basie Orchestra Live at Manchestra Guild’ in 1997, ‘Count Plays Duke’ in 1999 and ‘Basie Swings the Blues’ 2024, as well as the “Grammy Nominated” recording titled ‘Swing Shift’ in 2000. The guitarist has performed at every major jazz festival, concert hall, theatre and night club in the world, touring across Asia, Africa and Europe, as well as the rare honor of performing at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, Thailand for King Bhumbibol in 1996. He has also performed for President William J. Clinton’s second inaugural in Washington, DC 1997. Matthews has also had the honor of performing for First Lady Michelle Obama at a Campaign Fundraiser for President Barack Obama in Kansas City, Missouri at the American Jazz Museum March 2012. Since joining the Orchestra Matthews has performed with a who’s who list of artists such as the late Joe Williams, Frank Foster, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Frank Wess, Benny Powell, Curtis Fuller, Benny Carter, Hank Jones, Milt Jackson, Lou Donaldson, Kenny Burrell, George Benson, Rufus Reid, Jimmy Cobb, Jon Hendricks, Ernie Andrews, Johnny Mathis, Nancy Wilson, Mary Stallings, Marlena Shaw, Patti Austin, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ledisi, Dianne Reeves, Nnenna Freelon, Vanessa Rubin, Rosemary Clooney, Carla Cook, Dorothy Donegan, Diane Shuur, Kurt Elling, Geri Allen, Ledisi, Chick Corea, John Faddis, Wynton Marsalis, Gary Bartz, Regina Carter, Marcus Roberts, Llew Matthews, Norman Simmons, Joey DeFrancesco, Tom Scott, John Pizzarelli, Tito Puente, Neal Hefti, Janis Siegel, Bobby Rush, Buddy Guy, Bettye Lavette, Robert Cray, Jamie Davis and many others. The guitarist released his debut cd, Will Matthews “Solo” in November 2000, and his second cd project titled ‘Count On Swingin’ was released in 2009 featuring legendary Organist Mel Rhyne, from the original Wes Montgomery Trio, along with former Art Blakey Jazz Messengers member, Bobby Watson and Indianapolis drummer Kenny Phelps. Matthews was also one of several guest artist featured in a 2010 Documentary film broadcast on the PBS network titled From Separate To Equal The Creation of Truman Medical Center that also featured a song composed by the guitarist titled Mikayla’s Song, from his Count On Swingin’ project. The guitarist also performed a song in the Kevin Willmott film titled 'Jayhawker' with vocalist/actress Queen Bey. When not touring with the Basie Orchestra, Matthews performs with his B-3 Organ Project, The Saturday Night Trio and Mood Swings. Endorsements include D’Angelico Guitars Japan and D’Addario Strings.

Kansas City, MO