Tri-FI:
Postcards

Oh boy, oh boy! I've got a brand new CD for you to check out! Please visit Tri-Fi.com for music samples, purchasing information, and more...

Here's a look at what's coming up soon. To keep up with when and where I'll be performing, please add your name to my mailing list.

See my calendar for more.

Matthew Fries (pronounced FREECE) has been playing piano all his life. Born in central Pennsylvania, Matthew grew up in a musical home. His mother was a classical singer. His father was a professor of piano at Susquehanna University and was Matthew's first teacher, teaching him piano and music theory. During high school he played trumpet and sang in school choruses, but returned to piano after a college jazz history course awakened his interest in jazz piano. He switched his major to music and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Ithaca College. He then went on to earn a Master's Degree from The University of Tennessee, where he taught undergraduate classes and studied with jazz piano great, Donald Brown.

In 1994 Matthew moved to New York City, and has made the most of his musical experiences. In 1997 Matthew won first place in the Great American Jazz Piano Competition (part of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival). He placed 2nd in the event the year before. In 1998 he was a finalist in the American Pianists Association jazz piano competition.

Matthew released his debut CD as a leader, "Song for Today" (TCB Music) in June 2001 - a Jazziz Magazine critics pick. This album includes several original compositions, as well as interpretations of compositions by Leonard Bernstein, Thad Jones, James Williams, Donald Brown, and a reworking of a pop classic by James Taylor.

Matthew currently lives in New York City where he has begun to make a name for himself as a singer's accompanist. Described as "the best jazz accompaniment I've seen in a cabaret in years" (The New York Times) and "a distinct asset" (Variety Magazine), he tours and performs regularly with singers Curtis Stigers and Stacey Kent. He has also performed with artists as diverse as DeeDee Bridgewater, Vincent Herring, Tony Reedus, Charlie Persip, Walter Perkins, Jay Leonhart and many others.

Matthew performs regularly with his trio playing a fun mix of originals and standards. Matthew is available for concerts, clinics and performance workshops.

WOOOO-HOOOO! NEW TRIO RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE!!

TRI-FI (2005 - CAP Records) with Phil Palombi and Keith Hall plus special guest, Curtis Stigers

Song For Today (2001 - TCB Music) with Gregory Ryan, Vinson Valega, Bill Mobley, and Vincent Herring Live@147 (2000 - Just Jazz) with Gregory Ryan and Vinson Valega

"There are so many great young pianists playing today but not many with the feeling and intelligence of Matthew Fries. He posseses a great touch, great rhythm, and the ability to get inside any song he plays. He is always soulful whether playing the blues or one of his own compositions. He is a great composer and his playing reflects the past and future of jazz piano."
- Donald Brown, jazz pianist and former Jazz Messenger

"Matthew Fries is a bright young star in the galaxy of pianists who will lead us into the 21st century"
- James Williams, jazz pianist and former Jazz Messenger

"Matt is one of the finest young pianists on the jazz scene today."
- D. Oscar Groomes, O's Place Jazz Newsletter

"Wherever you look, the strength of Matthew Fries is obvious. His style is rooted in history, and will be enjoyed both today and beyond."
- John Barrett, JazzUSA.com

"The best jazz accompaniment I've seen in a cabaret in years."
- Stephen Holden, New York Times
(review of Stacey Kent's performance at the Algonquin)

"Muscular, straight-ahead jazz."
- Stephen Holden, New York Times
(review of Curtis Stigers' performance at the Algonquin)