Matthew Whitaker on Colors of Jazz

At the young age of 20, keyboardist, composer, and bandleader Matthew Whitaker has released three jazz albums within four years; reached his third year at The Juilliard School, and most recently scored a short film entitled “Starkeisha,” now streaming on Hulu.

Born visually impaired, Matthew has defied the odds with his mastery of classical and jazz piano as well as playing the organ, drums, and other instruments. His latest recording, “Connections,” “features music composed both before and during (and in reaction to) the pandemic.” Whitaker says, “Connections is really about this idea of community, of musicians and family and everyone really, coming back together after being separated for so long.”

Matthew Whitaker recently spoke with Bonnie Johnson on Colors of Jazz on March 13. You can hear the full interview here: