Trumpeter Mat Jodrell is one of the most exciting voices in Jazz today. He has recently returned to Australia after living in New York City for the past eight years, performing around the city and teaching at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music. 

During his time in the US, Mat was a regular member of many ensembles including Miguel Zenon’s ‘Identities’ Ensemble, Ryan Truesdell’s Gil Evans Project (both Grammy nominated in 2016), Lucas Pino’s No Net Nonet, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Miho Hazama’s M-Unit, Pedro Giraudo’s Expansions Ensemble, Jon Batiste Band, the Birdland Big Band and many others.  

Since re-locating to the US Mat has had the opportunity to perform with the likes of Benny Golson, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Branford Marsalis, Buster Williams, Hubert Laws, Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Mingus Big Band, James Spaulding, Carl Allen, Terri-Lyn Carrington, Bill Watrous, Gary Bartz, Terence Blanchard, Darcy James Argue, Josh Roseman to name but a few. Between 2008 and 2012 Mat performed regularly on Broadway with the shows ‘Hair’ and ‘After Midnight’ and continues to work with legendary singer Paul Anka with whom he has toured throughout Europe, Russia, Asia, South America and the Middle East. 

He has performed in many of the world’s most famous jazz clubs in New York City including the Vanguard, Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Birdland, Smoke, Smalls, Zinc and the Iridium, as well as touring to many of the largest festivals including the Newport Jazz Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Detroit Jazz Festival and many others.

Mat completed his Masters of Music and Artist Diploma from the Juilliard School of Music, and was on faculty from 2011- 2015. He continues to tour the world as leader, sideman and guest soloist. Recent tours have included a three week residency at the Dizzy’s Jazz Club in Doha, Qatar and guest soloist with the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra. 

As part of the Juilliard Artist Diploma ensemble, Matthew recorded an album of original music with trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, performed a concert with the legendary Ron Carter, recorded live on WBGO twice, and traveled to Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Australia and throughout the US.  

Since 2015 Mat has taught at the newly formed James Morrison Academy of Music located in Mount Gambier, South Australia. He lectures in Improvisation, Big Band, Small Ensemble, Arranging and Principal Study.  Originally born in Perth, Western Australia, Mat began playing the trumpet at age 10. His rise to prominence happened relatively quickly, playing at Carnegie Hall at the age of 16, and in the space of two years received numerous accolades including the NFAA Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Fellowship (five finalists chosen worldwide), the Young Australian of the Year Award for WA and the James Morrison scholarship for most outstanding young Australian Jazz instrumentalist.  He was also accepted into the Bachelor of Music program at the Western Australian Academy Of Performing Arts at the age of 16, where he consequently won the Bob Wyllie Scholarship for best graduating student.  Before leaving his hometown of Perth he was one of the most in-demand trumpet soloists in Australia. Mat was featured on James Morrison’s ‘On The Edge’ recording from the Sydney Opera House and toured the world numerous times with this group. Shortly after this he performed at the Melbourne  International Brass Festival alongside Bill Watrous and James Morrison, Bob Barnard’s Jazz Party, and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival with Graeme Lyall and Joe Chindamo.

Mat is featured on numerous recordings, and released his debut record ‘Blues In The Night’ in 2004. He plans to release his next album in 2017 featuring one of the greatest trios in existence today – Frank Kimbrough on piano, Jay Anderson on bass and Lewis Nash on drums. The release is set for June 2017.