Born in New Hampshire and raised in Redmond, 21-year-old Matt van den Heuvel moved to Bellingham about a year ago to attend Western Washington University to pursue a degree in guitar performance.
He performs locally with vocalist Sonja Lee and saxophonist Thomas Harris. Harris and his ensemble perform Dec. 28 and 29 at Blue Horse Gallery, in preparation for a recording session mid-January.
Question: Have you always enjoyed performing?
Answer: I remember being quite apprehensive for my first performances back in high school, and there's still some of that now, but the more I perform the more I lose that and enjoy creating music for others. Since I started performing more regularly last summer with Thomas' band, Sonja Lee and others, I have been loving it.
Q: Who have been mentors and inspirations?
A: My first teachers back in Redmond, Adam Arcano and Mike Mattingly, probably influenced my musical perspective the most. They both encouraged my interest and gave it some direction at the early stages of my learning, which I am truly grateful for.
Lately, I have been studying with pianist Miles Black and classical guitar with David Feingold, who both have excellent insights to share. I would also say that Wes Montgomery and John Scofield, and Jimi Hendrix, Billie Holiday, and the whole slew of musicians whose recordings I have learned from encouraged me in their own way.
Q: Do you consider yourself a jazz musician?
A: I do, but more than that, too. There's traditional blues and soul and funk, and really everything I listen to in my playing. I play classic guitar and sitar. All this contributes to the musician that I am. I embrace the term "jazz," but don't like the implied limits of the definition.
Q: What music do you enjoy listening to?
A: Blues, jazz, funk, soul, Western classical, Indian classical, rap, rock, folk, Afro beat ... I could go on, there's just so much powerful, creative music out there and I discover more everyday. Going to listen to well-played live music has been a part of my life since I was 13. I'm always looking for a good show to go to.
Q: What are your hopes and plans?
A: To keep learning, keep playing and creating. To inspire and be inspired. To find happiness and share it. To make a positive difference in the world. I would like to learn more about home recording and record an album of my own.
And take an art class! -painting and drawing. If I lost my hearing, that's what I would spend all my time doing. I'll be in Bellingham for at least a few more years to finish my degree, and then I'll see where I want to take life. Ultimately I would like to support a comfortable lifestyle with my playing and teaching.
Q: What's fun for you in your leisure time?
A: Aside from music? I absolutely love reading. Traveling, too. Keeping up with the people in life I care about. I like my art books. Drinking tea. Chess.
