Matt Warnock: A Jazz Guitarist’s Journey
Matt Warnock is a globally experienced jazz guitarist, known for his distinctive voice on the instrument and a deep connection to the traditions of jazz. Over the course of his career, Matt has performed in over 2,500 concerts worldwide, sharing stages with legendary artists like Slide Hampton, Stefon Harris, and Randy Brecker.
His journey has taken him across the US, Canada, Europe, Brazil, Nepal, and beyond, where he immersed himself in the musical landscapes and cultures of these regions, integrating their diverse influences into his playing style.
From the melodic sophistication of Brazilian jazz to the improvisational depth of bebop, Matt’s music reflects the rich musical experiences gathered over a lifetime of global travels.
After living abroad and touring worldwide for 25 years, Matt chose to return to his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie in Northern Ontario, seeking both artistic inspiration and a reconnection with his roots.
This return marked a significant turning point in his career as a performer, where he aims to share the perspectives and skills acquired over decades of exploring the global jazz scene with the local community.
He has been actively engaging with the local music scene through performances, collaborative projects, and mentoring younger musicians, all while sharing his passion for jazz and its diverse traditions.
Matt’s future plans include community outreach initiatives and collaborative projects aimed at fostering a vibrant local music scene.
Matt’s philosophy of connecting with audiences through authentic musical storytelling continues to drive his work, combining his technical mastery with a keen sense of cultural understanding.
He remains dedicated to creating a bridge between his global experiences and the Northern Ontario community, using music as a medium for both personal and collective growth.
Homecoming – Matt Warnock’s Debut Solo Album
Matt Warnock’s debut solo jazz guitar album, Homecoming, captures his artistic journey of returning to his roots after 25 years of performing and living abroad. The album, produced by Dustin Jones and released by Tidal Records, reflects the places and people that shaped Matt’s musical and personal evolution.
Homecoming blends bebop, modal jazz, and Brazilian jazz styles, with each track telling a unique story inspired by the places he has lived, such as Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Kalamazoo, Michigan, and the Sonoran Desert in Arizona.
Matt’s compositions on Homecoming offer a narrative that honors his musical heroes, including Wes Montgomery and Lenny Breau, while also conveying the charm and memories of Northern Ontario.
The recording process for Homecoming was intentionally minimalist, inspired by classic “in-the-moment” techniques used in jazz recordings. Each song was composed and recorded weekly, with Matt and Dustin Jones working closely to capture the immediate emotions of each session.
Jones, an experienced engineer and childhood friend of Matt’s, brought a fresh and intuitive perspective to recording jazz through decades of experience producing bands and solo artists in numerous other genres.
They recorded the tracks without the use of click tracks or excessive takes, resulting in a raw, unembellished sound that allows each note and chord to shine through clearly.
The album is structured into three sections, each exploring different musical themes and influences. For instance, the track “SJDR” reflects on Matt’s time living in Brazil, capturing the rhythms and warmth of that experience.
On “Lone Pine Blues,” Matt showcases his ability to create a walking bassline with just his guitar, evoking the feeling of a full band.
Other tracks like “Heatwave” and “Denner Street” explore themes of memory, place, and personal growth, reflecting both his travels and his reconnection with his hometown.
Returning to Northern Ontario, Matt aims to share not just his personal journey but also a musical narrative that resonates with audiences locally and globally.
Homecoming is both a celebration of Matt’s experiences and a bridge connecting his past, present, and future as an artist.
Click here to listen to Homecoming on Spotify or on any streaming service you prefer.
Click here to listen to Matt talk about Homecoming on the Borderline podcast.
Sample Live performances from Brazil and Ottawa.