Worked With:
- Born: September 23, 1912, Dominica, West Indies
- Died: June 28, 1982, New York, NY
- Genres: Jazz
- Instrument: Trombone
Biography
Since his father was a guitarist, George Matthews's decision to take up trombone could be interpreted as a form of rebellion, depending upon one's view on intonation. Those that feel any lifestyle involving a trombone will lead to unemployment should take a quick look at Matthew's discography, not that a quick look is actually possible with such a lengthy memorandum involving many famous jazz names. After completing formal studies in New York City, Matthews began gigging with a variety of area bands, by 1934 establishing something of a reputation through his involvement with Tiny Bradshaw. He then spent several years working with Willie Bryant, followed by some heavy duty freelancing involving Louis Armstrong, Chick Webb and Ella Fitzgerald.In the years following the second World War, Matthews worked almost consistently as a member of the Count Basie big band. Stylistically he turned up the heat, if such a thing is possible, by moving over to the Erskine Hawkins outfit as the '50s began and popular taste began to shift toward rocking and rolling. In the '60s the trombonist worked in a band led by Lucille Dixon and from that point seemed to be spending less time on the road. That impression is formed by the amount of time he spent performing on New York City's busy jazz scene, often in the brass section of Clark Terry's Big Band. An excellent musician, Matthews also has some recording credits on tuba, even trumpet--although the latter instrument as well as mentions as both a clarinetist and saxophonist concievably could be the result of sweaty-palmed typesetters. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide
