Matt Perrine, Debbie Davis

Biography

Matt Perrine, a California native, was an accomplished trombonist, bassist (upright and electric), and arranger by age twelve, performing with the Artie Shaw Orchestra and other jazz luminaries before high school graduation. Relocating to New Orleans in 1992, he became a staple in the city's music scene as a virtuoso sousaphone, tuba, upright, and electric bass player, spanning genres like jazz, Dixieland, funk, brass band, and avant-garde. Debbie Davis, born January 5, 1974, in Queens, New York, is a performer and actress known for roles in Nine Lives: A Musical Adaptation Live (2011) and HBO's Treme (2010-2013), where she appeared as herself. The couple married on September 6, 1998, and have two children, frequently collaborating on musical projects.[1][3]

Together, Perrine and Davis released the holiday album Oh Crap, It's Christmas! in 2014, which achieved critical and popular success. Perrine co-founded the New Orleans Nightcrawlers as tubist, chief composer, and arranger, releasing albums like Sunflower City (2007, named Best CD by WWOZ-FM) and Bayou Road Suite (2010) with his Sunflower City Band, and is a founding member of the Tin Men. DownBeat magazine praises him as a 'virtuoso sousaphone player.' Davis performs alongside him, as seen in joint renditions like 'Dream A Little Dream.' They contribute to New Orleans' vibrant music culture through performances, recordings, and Perrine's educational work with programs like New Orleans Young Audiences and international jazz clinics.[2][3][5]

Perrine's legacy includes innovations in brass band music, crowd-funded releases via Threadhead Records, and global performances from the Sydney Opera House to European festivals. As an educator and clinician, he has been commissioned by Danish conservatories. The duo's partnership blends music and performance, sustaining New Orleans traditions while reaching broader audiences through TV and recordings.[3][7]

Fun Facts

• Matt Perrine played with the Artie Shaw Orchestra before graduating high school, showcasing his early prodigy status as a 12-year-old multi-instrumentalist.
• Debbie Davis and Matt Perrine starred together in HBO's Treme, with Davis appearing as herself across three episodes from 2010-2013.
• Their 2014 holiday album Oh Crap, It's Christmas! marked a critically acclaimed venture into festive music.
• Perrine has performed at prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House and BBC Studios, extending New Orleans brass band sounds globally.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Artie Shaw Orchestra - Early performance experience with jazz luminaries before high school (Live performances) [Pre-1992]

Key Collaborators

• New Orleans Nightcrawlers - Co-founder, tubist, chief composer, arranger, producer (Eponymous album, Live at the Old Point, Slither Slice (Threadhead Records)) [1990s-present]
• Sunflower City Band - Leader with New Orleans all-stars (Sunflower City (2007), Bayou Road Suite (2010)) [2007-2010]
• Tin Men - Founding member with Alex McMurray and Washboard Chaz Leary (Super Great Music for Modern Lovers) [2000s]
• Debbie Davis - Spouse and frequent musical/performance partner (Oh Crap, It's Christmas! (2014), Dream A Little Dream, Treme (HBO)) [1998-present]
• Ellis Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Kermit Ruffins - Performances and recordings (Various live and studio projects) [1992-present]

External Links

• Spotify