
Saxophonist Matt
Garrison was born May 20th 1979 (in case you want to send him
a birthday card), in Poughkeepsie, New York. He started playing
the alto saxophone at the age of 9 and quickly took a liking to
it. At 11, while in middle school, he was asked to fill in on
the tenor saxophone and his interest in music solidified.
While attending
Arlington High School, jazz became an important part of his musical
life along with other various classical ensembles. In 1997, he
began his musical studies at the Purchase Conservatory of Music.
While he was there, he was fortunate enough to study with jazz
greats such as Javon Jackson, Jon Faddis, Todd Coolman, Ralph
Lalama and Doug Munro. This experience prepared him well, and
since graduating, he has had the opportunity to play with Ray
Vega, Pete Malinverni, Dennis Irwin, Sam Yahel, and James Weidman.
Along with the
Dave Kain Group, he is involved in several other projects including
The David White Quintet, a reggae group called Reegal Beegal,
and various other freelance groups. He is also an active educator
in the Westchester area and teaches a wide array of instruments
and people.