Matt Martinez

Matt Martinez Trombone

Matt Martinez is a freelance trombonist with roots based firmly in the heart of Detroit. He was raised on the sounds of Motown and soul music and his early musical education consisted of a steady diet of artists from Philly to Memphis to Chicago, the Beatles to Frank Sinatra, Alice Cooper to the incomparable Stevie Wonder. This led him to continue his musical education at Wayne State University, where he was fortunate enough to study under both Matt Michaels and Russ Miller.

With a keen ability to play any style, Matt has been afforded the opportunity to perform with many national and regional artists including Aretha Franklin, George Clinton, Dave Liebman, Patti Austin, Don Was, The Temptations, The O'Jays, The Four Tops, Wayne Kramer, Karen Newman, Alexander Zonjic, Melvin Davis, Amp Fiddler, & The Paul Keller Orchestra.

In his collaborations with Will Sessions, he has played at SXSW & the San Jose Jazz Fest, opened for Snoop Lion (then Snoop Dogg), performed with members of the legendary hip-hop group Slum Village, and recorded various "funk 45s" with Funk Night Records.

In addition to Will Sessions, Matt is a member of Bobby Streng's House Big Band as well as The Motor City Jazz Orchestra. He is also a founding member of The Woodward Horns, a Detroit-based freelance horn section.

Matt has recorded with Eminem, Royce Da 5'9", Mayer Hawthorne, GRiZ, Tunde Olaniran, Dennis Coffey, McKinley Jackson, former American Idol contestant Jena Irene, Randy Scott, Brian McCarty (Trash Brats), The Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra and many others.

With a versatility that is driven by dedication, skill and a passion for music and the arts, Matt has garnered a rich list of experience that has made him a most respectable player in every facet.