SOUL ASSASSIN

THE DEBUT ALBUM - OUT NOW!

Matt’s debut full length album includes the singles “Right Here, Right Now”, “One Last Dance”, “Electric Shock” and “Por la Orrilla del Mar”. Hit guitarist David P. Stevens is featured on the track “No Doubt in My Mind”.

Click the player below on the right to sample tracks. Click the buttons to buy, download or stream…

UPCOMING LIVE DATES

Dates are added regularly. To be notified when we book a date near you, please go here and click “FOLLOW”. Interested in booking Matt for a festival, club date, or private event? Please contact us.

MORE MUSIC

RADIO SINGLES

Click to download and stream…

the next generation
of contemporary jazz

BIOGRAPHY

Matt Willard, a 24 year old Saxophonist, is putting a "different twist" on the genre Smooth Jazz by adding a unique mix of Rock, Pop, R&B, and Jazz all into one collective sound! His live performances are very energetic, tasteful, as well as  full of humor and entertainment! Matt's shows are sure to get an audience out of their seats and movin'!

Matt has performed in all types of venues such as restaurants, weddings, big outdoor events and gatherings, as well as Concert halls.  Matt Released his Debut Album titled "Soul Assassin" in 2022. In October of 2022, He hosted an album release concert for his debut album at the Ferguson Center For The Arts in Newport News, VA, where he almost sold out the Peebles Theater.

Matt released his debut single "Electric Shock" in 2022 which was a Top 5 HIT on the Groove Jazz/Radiowave Chart! It was also added to the playlist on the popular SiriusXM Watercolors channel from day one of its first radio campaign, as well as in rotation on multiple radio stations around the world.

Matt says, "I am very excited to see what the future holds for me,
and cannot wait to share my music with the world, and perform for all of you!"  

Matt was born in Newport News, Virginia and has lived in Virginia for the majority of his life. He started playing saxophone in sixth grade. He later auditioned for his middle school jazz band and not only got in but had a solo!

Now 24 years old, Matt first found growth as a saxophonist through learning and perfecting his craft in school, and while working for his high school marching band as an instructor/assistant director after graduating for over 5 years. Matt hopes that through his own playing, as well as being an instructor, he can inspire the younger generations to be as excited and interested in music just as He was.  He has had the amazing opportunity to play with local bands such as Every King & Commoner and Jam Nation. In playing with these local bands it has allowed him to build his skills in playing the saxophone, and put himself in the position meet many influential people.

 Matt had the opportunity to audition for America's Got Talent, and was very close to being accepted into the live shows.  He says "it would have been great to be on the show, and the audition process was very intriguing, but I am still moving forward in my music career."  He has also had the opportunity to play with the Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum selling smooth jazz icon Dave Koz twice.  All of these experiences and opportunities have prepared him to step out and create his own music.  Matt went to Nashville, Tennessee to record his debut album, and area that is famous for country music, but also has a thriving Jazz scene as well.

 While recording Matt's debut album, He had the pleasure to work with Jason Webb the pianist for Vince Gill, an official member of the Eagles.  He also worked with Jacob Lowery, the bass player for the amazing Michael McDonald from The Doobie Brothers, and Steely Dan.  Last but certainly not least he also had the opportunity and pleasure to work with Roy Agee, who was the trombonist for the late great artist Prince from 2012-2016. was pure musical magic.  Matt is very excited about the things that are happening in his life, but it is only the beginning of an amazing music career.

MATT HAS PERFORMED WITH:

Roy Agee - trombonist (Prince), Greg Boyer - trombonist (Prince), Jason Webb- piano (Vince Gill), Jacob Lowery -bass (Michael McDonald), Dave Koz - saxophone, Christian De Mesones - bass, Martin Blockson - mentor, producer, and fellow saxophonist, David P. Stevens - guitar (featured on Matt’s song No Doubt in My Mind), Donnell Smith - bass (Richard Elliot and numerous others).

MATT HAS PERFORMED AT:

Ferguson Center For The Arts
Colonial Williamsburg’s Juneteenth Celebration
NAACP Galas
Colonial Williamsburg’s Christmas Grand Illumination (approx: 10,000 people in attendance)
Many concert venues, restaurants, and wineries

SCROLL DOWN FOR LIVE VIDEOS

VIDEOS

MATT WILLARD live in concert!

gallery

Click the pics to enlarge…