Press

Matt Slocum

Press Reviews
"Slocum’s writing and playing emphasize a breathing, expressive, virtually speech-like flow of shifting meters... The young drummer constantly surprises, embracing the kit as a reactive and explorative multi-percussion whole. A fresh voice."
— Jeff Potter, Modern Drummer Magazine
“Matt Slocum is an intelligent and intense drummer, he's more interested in telling a story than displaying his "chops." His familiarity with the styles of his fellow musicians breeds freedom instead of predictability as he gives them space and structure to work with… powerful yet subtle music."
— Richard Kamins, StepTempest
"A meticulous, deeply realized work, remarkable not only for its coherence as a single arc but also for its evolving, authentic poignancy… This dreamlike, lyrical, fervent, floating music is capable of erupting in joy or pain."
— Thomas Conrad, JazzTimes
"A mature, impassioned postbop set inspired by the legendary Sioux medicine man of the title."
— Time Out New York
"There are those rare records that cast a spell as soon as the music begins. Black Elk’s Dream is a beautiful dream state of a recording… a band as telepathic as it is gifted… A thoughtful, thematic record that retains its emotional intimacy."
— Ken Micallef, The New York City Jazz Record
"(Slocum's) playing has elements that link traditional jazz drumming with what approaches symphonic percussion techniques, with precise and clean strokes, thematic organization of sound and texture, and an reactive ability to seamlessly change what he is doing on the drum set without affecting the groove or the contextual nature of the song. Slocum has a lot of subtle savvy on his instrument, but he also swings hard and artfully picks his spots to really pop."
— Gary Fukushima, All About Jazz
"The solid interaction of the trio and the versatility of each musician fill the tracks with life. Layered richness is at the heart of the music."
— Jon Ross, Downbeat Magazine
"One of his generation's most highly regarded drummers ... Matt Slocum is more than a rising star drummer--he is a composer of startling melodic sophistication."
— Andrea Canter, JazzPolice
"Slocum sets the tone for the album from behind the set, playing with a sensitive, nuanced touch. The architecture of each piece is spacious and free-floating, yet imbued with a determined momentum, however relaxed."
— Shaun Brady, Jazziz
"The band played together as a trio rather than as three people playing together… Fine writing and an elegant stylist… One to watch out for…"
— Stephen Graham, Jazzwise Magazine
"Matt Slocum has emerged as one of the great young drummers in New York City, and therefore all of jazz… Slocum clearly places empathy and ensemble eloquence over solo fireworks, with sublime results."
— Tom Surowicz, Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Some of the most exciting piano, bass and drum work you'll hear since E.S.T."
— Jazz Journal UK
"Present day jazz is clearly not stagnant in the very good hands (and sticks) of Matt Slocum- a young drummer who plays with empathy and verve."
— Mark F. Turner, All About Jazz
“Slocum served the music with a focus on dynamic micro-detail, which in turn allowed his musicians to say even more. It’s a cerebral concept, one that comes to fruition on Black Elk’s Dream… Like Wayne Shorter’s classic Blue Note albums, Black Elk’s Dream seems to ask questions, leaving the answers open to individual interpretation."
— Ken Micallef, DownBeat Magazine
"The real thing... Slocum has an expressive, light touch, reminiscent of Paul Motian’s percussive poetry, but Slocum’s lyrical writing has also gained major notice... a serious young talent on the rise."
— Marcus Crowder, Sacramento Bee
"(Slocum) has already developed his own modern style ... this CD has the quality to make him internationally known."
— Hans Bernd-Kittlaus, Kind of Blue Reviews
"An inveterate swinger with a brisk, highly interactive touch and a penchant for melodicism, drummer Matt Slocum is also a thoughtful composer who sets up his team like a savvy point guard running an offense."
— Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes
"A promising young drummer."
— Chris Barton, Los Angeles Times
"Richly textured, hard swinging modern jazz."
— Time Out London
"An amazing new album… Slocum has emerged as a star of his generation, a double-threat performer and award-winning composer whose compositions build on the past and expand into the future… After the Storm is what jazz is meant to be."
— Glen Starkey, New Times SLO
“Black Elk's Dream is a sublime interpretation of the visionary Oglala Lakota leader's philosophy, life and times, the melodic sophistication of Slocum's compositions wonderfully realized by his lithe, restless percussion, plus bassist Massimo Biolcati, pianist Gerald Clayton and saxophonists Walter Smith and Dayna Stephens."
— Rick Mason, Minneapolis City Pages
"Slocum unleashed a torrent of polyrhythmic ideas which kicked the trio into high gear... a fascinating glimpse at a young drum force in the making."
— Robert Bush, All About Jazz-San Diego
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