“As heard on Sirius XM Watercolors”
Matt Willard’s Latest Single “Oh Baby Baby” is Out NOW!!
Scroll down to learn more about Matt…
“As heard on Sirius XM Watercolors”
Matt Willard’s Latest Single “Oh Baby Baby” is Out NOW!!
Scroll down to learn more about Matt…
BIOGRAPHY
Matt Willard, a 27 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, P-Funk Maceo Parker), Jason Webb- piano (Vince Gill), Jacob Lowery -bass (Michael McDonald), Dave Koz - Saxophonist with Multiple Grammy Noms and Legendary performer, Christian De Mesones - bass, David P. Stevens - guitar (featured on Matt’s song No Doubt in My Mind), Donnell Smith - bass (Richard Elliot and numerous others), Lemek - Guitarist, Nathan Mitchell, Quinton Gerard W, and Many others!
MATT HAS PERFORMED AT:
Ferguson Center For The Arts
Colonial Williamsburg’s Juneteenth Celebration
NAACP Galas
Colonial Williamsburg’s Christmas Grand Illumination\
Many concert venues, restaurants, and wineries
Jazz Legacy Foundation 2025
Tin Pan
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The Next Generation of Contemporary Jazz
Matt Willard is a rising force in contemporary jazz—an electrifying 27-year-old saxophonist redefining Smooth Jazz with a bold fusion of Rock, Pop, R&B, and modern groove. His signature sound, paired with an energetic, humorous, and highly engaging stage presence, has made him one of the genre’s most exciting young performers. Whether in a concert hall, outdoor festival, or intimate club setting, Matt’s shows guarantee one thing: you won’t stay seated for long.
In 2022, Matt released his debut album Soul Assassin and celebrated with a nearly sold-out album release concert at the prestigious Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, VA. His debut single, “Electric Shock”, soared into the Top 5 on the Groove Jazz/Radiowave Chart and was added to the SiriusXM Watercolors playlist on day one of its radio campaign—ultimately gaining rotation on stations around the world.
Born and raised in Newport News, Virginia, Matt began playing saxophone in sixth grade and immediately stood out, earning solos and developing a passion that would shape his future. His growth continued through school music programs and later as an instructor and assistant director for his high school marching band, where he mentored young musicians with the same excitement that fueled his own journey.
Before stepping fully into his solo career, Matt gained valuable experience performing with local bands such as Every King & Commoner and Jam Nation, building both his musicianship and his network. Along the way, he auditioned for America’s Got Talent—coming close to appearing on the televised live shows—and shared the stage twice with multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated saxophone icon Dave Koz, a milestone that affirmed his path forward.
Recording Soul Assassin in Nashville brought Matt together with world-class musicians, including Jason Webb (Vince Gill, The Eagles), Jacob Lowery (Michael McDonald, Steely Dan), and Roy Agee (Prince). Their collaboration added depth and authenticity to Matt’s debut sound, helping launch a career that continues to accelerate with each new performance.
Inspired by the legends but driven by his own innovative voice, Matt is determined to bring a fresh edge to contemporary jazz. “I’m excited for what the future holds,” he says. “I can’t wait to share my music with the world and perform for all of you.”
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.
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