David Matthews

Keyboardist David Matthews has consistently supplied funk, whether absorbed through immersion alongside the rhythmically groundbreaking soul pioneer James Brown or applied in efforts to enliven the comparatively milder Paul Simon. Since the 1970s, the trends linked to Matthews encompass the CTI sound, an extensive catalog of television scores and advertising jingles, and a sequence of well-regarded Manhattan Jazz Orchestra recordings. He is distinct from the jam-band figure Dave Matthews as well as the prior big-band arranger and reed player, even though both of those individuals also contributed to projects for Frank Sinatra.

After earning a composition degree from the University of Cincinnati, Matthews launched his career in the late 1960s by directing a dance band that performed widely across multiple European regions while he simultaneously built recognition within the local Cincinnati jazz community. A major step came in 1970 when he took on dual roles as arranger and bandleader for James Brown, an opportunity that enabled his move to New York City and opened doors to ongoing freelance work through that association. Among the artists who engaged him were drummer and bandleader Buddy Rich, vocalists Mark Murphy and Bonnie Raitt, and the Starland Vocal Band, along with numerous additional clients.

In the mid-1970s Matthews joined the CTI label as staff arranger, producing a run of polished recordings that divided jazz listeners. From that point forward he assembled his own ensembles, among them the Manhattan Jazz Quintet. Hollywood film scores he created include The Parallax View, the original The Stepford Wives, and Night Moves, while his activities have also maintained strong visibility in Japan.