Keys
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Composer and bassist Matt Owens returns with Keys — a deeply expressive and genre-defying album that threads memory, friendship and reinvention through an evocative palette of sound.
Commissioned by the Manchester Jazz Festival, the project reunites Owens with three of his closest musical collaborators; long-time mentors, pianists David Muñoz and John Ellis, and singer Kirsty Almeida in a unique exploration of dual keyboard and vocal textures.
Flow
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Flow is the second single from Matt’s forthcoming album Keys and is a collaboration with long time writing partner Kirsty Almeida.
It also features Manchester’s legendary keyboard player John Ellis (Cinematic Orchestra) and was mixed by four-time Grammy Award winning engineer Jerry Boys.
“I think you’re going to love it” Guy Garvey, BBC6 Music
Lacuna
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Lacuna is the first single from Matt’s forthcoming album Keys. Inspired by a Manchester Jazz Festival commission to write a set of works featuring two pianists.
The track features Chilean pianist David Moñuz and Manchester music legend John Ellis (Cinematic Orchestra) on keyboards. Underpinned by Owens’ bass they are joined by Kirsty Almeida’s ethereal vocals and Sam Draper’s deft percussion colourings.
The musicians’ sensitive ensemble playing evokes a sense of space, reflecting the title and showcasing Owens’ elegant composing.
“A pensive work that feels like a moment of reflection and restoration” Soweto Kinch, BBC Radio 3
The Aviators Ball
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“The Aviators’ Ball is the perfect soundtrack to a film not yet realised, and one of the most gorgeous albums you’ll hear this year.” Dom Servini, Echoes Magazine
“a masterwork that outstrips genre”. Mike Butler, Dyverse Music
“the genuineness of its eclectic, yesteryear approach, the persuasive strength of its endearingly tuneful hooks and arrangements make it utterly irresistible – certainly a delightful musical diversion.” Adrian Pallant, AP reviews
“An album to cherish. Absolutely wonderful.” Phil Barnes, All About Jazz
“Owens’ début is an album to be proud of, a genre straddling record that manages to create its own uniquely distinctive sound world, evocative of both a century ago and now.” Ian Mann, thejazzmann.com
“Writing music brings me joy and a sense of wonder at how a whole piece can be created out of the tiniest spark of an idea; playing the bass keeps me grounded and in the moment.”
Matt Owens’ music has featured in films such as four times BAFTA Award winning film Patagonia and BIFA double-nominated film Albatross. His compositions have featured on a wealth of TV programmes around the world, including Top Gear, EastEnders and the hit TV series Arrow, while his is bass playing and arranging provides the foundation for many established artists’ recordings and live projects.
His studio is nestled in the hills of England’s Peak District National Park, whose majestic landscapes provide him with a constant source of inspiration.
“Living in the countryside and spending time exploring the hills does give you a different sense of perspective. From up high you can see how places physically relate to each other in a way you don’t appreciate when you are in the valleys. You are also much more aware of the clarity of the light and gradual change of the seasons. I can feel how it all seeps into my writing.”
Matt cut his teeth as a bassist on Manchester’s fertile music scene, playing a diverse range of styles from jazz to salsa, from hip-hop to folk. This led him to work with artists such as The Herbaliser, Aim and Soweto Kinch, as well as Latin luminaries such as Larry Harlow (Fania Allstars), Jimmy Bosch and Ray de la Paz.
His passion for salsa music led him to co-write the music for the sell-out theatre show Cubanite starting a musical collaboration with singer-songwriter Kirsty Almeida which still remains strong to this day. Their work together has included a major record deal with Decca Records as well as working with renowned producer Youth and four times Grammy award winning engineer Jerry Boys.
In 2015 Matt released his debut album The Aviators’ Ball, combining a jazz quartet with a classical wind quartet. The album was critically acclaimed, described as “one of the most gorgeous albums you’ll hear this year” (Echoes Magazine) and featured BBC Folk Award Vocalist if the Year Ríoghnach Connolly.
Highly regarded performances of Matt’s compositions include the 2009 Manchester Jazz commission Ten, his 2014 suite Keys for two keyboard instruments (including St Ann’s Church’s mighty church organ), bass and vocals and the 22-piece Latin big band La Gran Descarga, which had everyone on their feet for concerts at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall and Salford’s Lowry Theatre.
Other longterm projects include the acoustic trio The Magic Beans and the madcap band Baked A La Ska, who he has written extensively for and produced their five studio albums.
