Biography
Dmitri Matheny, born on December 25, 1965, in Nashville, Tennessee, is an acclaimed American jazz flugelhornist, composer, educator, and recording artist. Raised in Columbus, Georgia, and Tucson, Arizona, Matheny was drawn to music early, beginning piano at age five and switching to trumpet at nine. His formative years included studies at the Brookstone School and the Interlochen Arts Academy, followed by Berklee College of Music in Boston. In the late 1980s, Matheny shifted his focus to the flugelhorn, studying privately with jazz legend Art Farmer and quickly establishing himself as a leading voice on the instrument. After moving to San Francisco in 1989, he formed the Dmitri Matheny Group and became a prominent figure in the Bay Area jazz scene, performing with major orchestras and releasing several critically acclaimed albums.
Matheny's musical style is characterized by a warm, romantic tone, lyrical improvisation, and masterful technique. His recordings, such as 'Penumbra: The Moon Sessions' and 'Starlight Cafe,' have been praised for their emotional depth and innovative arrangements. Over his career, Matheny has balanced performing with extensive work in jazz education, serving in leadership roles for organizations like SFJAZZ and the Thelonious Monk Institute. He has received numerous accolades, including being named NW Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year by Earshot Jazz in 2016 and earning recognition in DownBeat and Jazziz magazine polls. Matheny continues to tour internationally, record original works, and inspire new generations of jazz musicians.
Fun Facts
- Matheny was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1965, in Nashville, Tennessee.
- He began playing piano at age 5 and switched to trumpet at age 9.
- Matheny was named 'Talent Deserving Wider Recognition' in the DownBeat Critics' Poll in 1998.
- He has served as Director of Education for SFJAZZ and Artist-In-Residence for several music programs.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Art Farmer - Private flugelhorn teacher and mentor (Live at the Stanford Jazz Workshop (executive producer)) [1988–1999]
- Carmine Caruso - Trumpet teacher in New York (Private trumpet instruction) [Late 1980s]
Key Collaborators
- Dave Ellis - Saxophonist on 'Penumbra: The Moon Sessions' (Penumbra: The Moon Sessions) [1996]
- Darrell Grant - Pianist on 'Starlight Cafe' and frequent collaborator (Starlight Cafe) [1998]
- Bill Douglass - Bassist on multiple albums (Penumbra: The Moon Sessions, Starlight Cafe) [1996–1998]
- John Heller - Guitarist on 'Penumbra: The Moon Sessions' (Penumbra: The Moon Sessions) [1996]
- Kenny Wollesen - Drummer on 'Penumbra: The Moon Sessions' (Penumbra: The Moon Sessions) [1996]
- Rob Burger - Accordionist on 'Penumbra: The Moon Sessions' (Penumbra: The Moon Sessions) [1996]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jazz Noir | 2016-02-20 | Album |
| Cascadia | 2022-06-17 | Album |
| Sagebrush Rebellion | 2014-08-09 | Album |
| Spiritu Sancto | 2010-06-26 | Album |
| Grant & Matheny | 2010-06-25 | Album |
| The SnowCat | 2007-12-25 | Album |
| Nocturne | 2005-01-01 | Album |
| Red Reflections | 2002-10-01 | Album |
| Starlight Café | 2002-09-30 | Album |
| Santa's Got a Brand New Bag | 1999-01-01 | Album |
| Starlight Cafe | 1998-01-01 | Album |
| Penumbra | 1996-01-01 | Album |
| Red Reflections | 1995-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Audrey's Dance (Jazz Noir)
- The Long Goodbye (Jazz Noir)
- Stormy Weather (Jazz Noir)
- Noir Medley: Touch of Evil / Laura / Vertigo / Chinatown / Taxi Driver / Blues in the Night (Jazz Noir)
- Myth of the Rainy Night (Nocturne)
- Here's Looking at You (Jazz Noir)
- Estate (Jazz Noir)
- Golden Lady (Jazz Noir)
- Cascadia (Cascadia)
- On a Misty Night (Cascadia)
External Links
Tags: #post-bop
References
Heard on WWOZ
Dmitri Matheny has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17, 2025 | 01:30 | One for Daddy-Ofrom Sagebrush Rebellion | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis |