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Matthew Whitaker: Connections

By La-Faithia White
January 11, 2022
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Multi-instrumentalist

Matthew Whitaker

organ, Hammond B3
b.2001

" data-original-title="" title="">Matthew Whitaker opens up and shares some personal moments on Connections. The journey begins with the light, suave "Journey Uptown." The tune grabs attention right away with an energetic upbeat feel which takes one on a magical journey of percussion and piano.

"Bye-Ya" features

Jon Batiste

piano
b.1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Jon Batiste on piano. Written by

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk, Batiste and Whitaker display their talents on piano and other keyboards. The sound is theatrical and has an

Art Tatum

piano
1909 - 1956

" data-original-title="" title="">Art Tatumish feel. "Stop Fighting" has a soft opening that blossoms with a new beginning of sorts, coming together for a better day. The beautiful sounds of flute and piano beckon as Whitaker touches on a moment of joy as one piano key penetrates and takes over. The synthesizer seems to plead for peace. "Lately" is a classic song by

Stevie Wonder

vocals
b.1950

" data-original-title="" title="">Stevie Wonder, recorded by him in 1980. This rendition has a dramatic tone and a jazzy twist.

Whitaker's "Connections" has a soft, percussive vibe, and delivers a plea from Whitaker for us all to connect with each other in peace. The jazz standard "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," composed by

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Duke Ellington, features the sophisticated, swinging violin of

Regina Carter

violin
b.1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Regina Carter. "Jeannine" is a piece of Latin fusion that suggests intrigue and mystery, mixing soft yet energetic percussion, elegant piano, and high-pitched of trumpet. "I'm Sorry" has a laid-back soul-jazz groove including a Hammond organ adding authenticity. On "Blue Rondo a la Turk," Whitaker narrates and takes us on a journey to the day of his birth. He has connected beautifully with this album.

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Track Listing

Journey Uptown; A New Day; Bye-Ya; Spain; Connections; Stop Fighting; Lately; I��m Sorry; Jeannine Don��t Get Around Much Anymore; Blue Rondo a la Turk; Trust Me, It Will Be Okay; Garden Wall; Acceptance; His Eye Is On The Sparrow.

Personnel

Matthew Whitaker

organ, Hammond B3

Karim Hutton

bass

Marcos Robinson

guitar

Isaiah Johnson

drums

Otis Brown III

drums

Johnathan Blake

drums

Album information

Title: Connections | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Resilience Music

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