Matt Wilson - Arts & Crafts... and Craviotto!

Drummer, composer, bandleader and educator Matt Wilson is considered one of the most imaginative and entertaining spirits in jazz today. In the 2007 Downbeat International Critic's Poll, Wilson was voted Rising Star Drummer for the fifth year in a row and his band, Arts and Crafts, was voted Small Group of the Year. The Jazz Journalists Association again recently nominated him as Drummer of the Year, an honor he won in 2003, and he was recognized in the 2007 Modern Drummer Reader's Poll.

Matt's creativity, versatility and sense of humor, along with his infectious positive energy, keeps him in demand. Wilson has appeared on over 170 recordings as a sideman and tours throughout the world. He has performed and or recorded with a wide range of artists including Dewey Redman, Charlie Haden, Wynton Marsalis, Lee Konitz, Pat Metheny, Andrew Hill, Bill Frisell, Kenny Barron, Larry Goldings, John Zorn, Ted Nash, Denny Zeitlin, Buster Williams, Bill Mays, Dena Derose, Wycliffe Gordon, Frank Kimbrough, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ray Anderson, Jane Ira Bloom, Joanne Brackeen, Cecil McBee and many others.

As a leader, Matt has released 7 critically acclaimed recordings on Palmetto Records. His groups, Arts and Crafts, the Matt Wilson Quartet and the Carl Sandburg Project have toured throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia.

Matt Wilson is a popular educator. He has presented his fun-filled and inspirational workshops at schools, festivals and conventions throughout the world. He is a contributor to Modern Drummer magazine and is currently working on a wacky book on improvising for the drum set. He is also on the faculty of the Interplay Jazz Camp, Stanford Jazz Workshop and Sarah Lawrence College.

Matt is elated in becoming a Craviotto artist. "These drums are sonic masterpieces that really sing. They are also mighty pretty on the eyes. Sound-master Johnny and his crew put SO much love into each drum and believe me; you feel that love and joy when you play them! I am so looking forward to playing them and spreading that love! Woo Hoo!"

Check out more of Matt's crazy antics at http://www.mattwilsonjazz.com !