Conn-Selmer and D’Addario Endorsing Artist Matt Olson is the Charles Ezra Daniel Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies at Furman University. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. He has performed with Randy Brecker, Chris Potter, Kenny Barron, Joe Lovano, Stefon Harris, Kurt Elling, Benny Carter, Wayne Bergeron, Jeff Coffin, Jason Marsalis, Byron Stripling, John Fedchock, Wycliffe Gordon, Ryan Keberle, Doc Severinsen, Manhattan Transfer, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Bernadette Peters, Lou Rawls, Ben Folds, the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, among others.
Matt released his third solo recording, Open Spaces, on OA2 Records, in January 2022. His previous solo recordings, 789 Miles (OA2 Records) and Vortex (self-released), along with his two recordings with the collaborative jazz sextet Unhinged Sextet, Clarity and Don’t Blink (both on OA2 Records), have received worldwide radio airplay and numerous positive reviews, including being featured on Joey Defrancesco’s Sirius/XM radio program “Organized.” He has been a guest artist at high schools, universities, and jazz festivals around the country. Matt is also active as a clinician and adjudicator, including presenting clinics at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and the Jazz Education Network Conference. His work has been published by Downbeat magazine, The Saxophone Symposium, and Walrus Music.