Matt Slocum is an American keyboardist with national and international touring credits. Slocum has toured with some of the biggest names in jam, jazz-funk, and rock bands including Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers, Oteil & the Peacemakers), Jimmy Herring (solo, Widespread Panic), Susan Tedeschi (solo, Tedeschi Trucks Band), Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit, John McLaughlin & the Mahavishnu Orchestra, The Magpie Salute, and Railroad Earth.
Matt is recognized for his versatile playing style, which incorporates elements of jazz, rock, blues, and classical music. His ability to seamlessly blend different genres has made him a sought-after musician in the jam band and improvisational music scenes. Slocum’s current calendar <link to calendar> features National tours with James Hunter 6 (opening for Bonnie Raitt), Warren Haynes Band and his long time ongoing role with Railroad Earth.
Born and raised in the southeastern United States, Matt developed an early interest in music. He began playing the piano at a young age and was influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, classical, and rock. His broad musical foundation allowed him to develop a unique approach to keyboard playing, characterized by fluid improvisation and complex harmonies.
Slocum began his classical music studies at the South Shore Conservatory of Music in Massachusetts at the age of 7. After moving to Alabama in his teens, Slocum continued his education at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) in Birmingham. He attended a 6-week summer program at Berklee School of Music in 1991 where he was ranked in the top 10 of the student body. After dropping out of ASFA at age 17, Slocum started a band in Memphis only to find himself back in Birmingham within a few months. Undeterred, Slocum spent several years in and out of local bands before finding his way onto the jam and jazz-funk scenes. A phone call from Oteil Burbridge in 2003 led to a tour with Oteil & the Peacemakers and into the studio to make the album Believer (2005). Through Oteil, Slocum was introduced to Jimmy Herring with whom he recorded two studio albums, Lifeboat (2008) and Subject to Change Without Notice (2012). Slocum played keys in the final reincarnation of the famed Mahavishnu Orchestra, appearing on the album Live in San Francisco (2018) with John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension and Jimmy Herring and the Invisible Whip.
Slocum played keys on Susan Tedeschi’s 2008 album Back to the River, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2010. Susan introduced Matt to Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson, which led to multiple tours and albums with both Robinson's solo band and The Magpie Salute. Slocum joined Railroad Earth for several shows starting in 2017. He was asked to join as a touring member of the band in 2018.
Other notable performances include:
- Monterey Pop Festival with Susan Tedeschi (2008)
- The Conan O’Brien show with Susan Tedeschi (2009)
- Headlined the Montreux Jazz Fest in Switzerland opening for B.B. King while touring with Susan Tedeschi (2009)
- Sydney/Brisbane Australia with Gold Record recording artist James Hunter in the James Hunter Six (2009)
- Aquarium Rescue Unit played the grand re-opening of the Georgia Theater (2011)
- Paul Reed Smith 30th Anniversary show with Col. Bruce Hampton (Aquarium Rescue Unit), Jimmy Herring (Widespread Panic), John McLauglin, and Dennis Chambers
- Played India w/ Doyle Bramhall II (Eric Clapton, Roger Waters) and Rich Robinson (Black Crowes, Magpie Salute), opening for Buddy Guy (2014)
- Played Dhakka, Bangladesh Jazz Fest with King Baby (2015)
- Col. Bruce Hampton’s 70th birthday party at the Fox Theater in Atlanta where he shared the stage with artists including Chuck Leavell, Peter Buck (REM), John Popper, John Fishman (Phish), John Bell & Dave Schools (Widespread Panic), Carl Densen (Rolling Stones), Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Jimmy Herring (solo, Widespread Panic), and Warren Hayes (solo, Gov’t Mule) (2017)
- Played Argentina with Rich Robinson (2017)
- Headlined Red Rocks with Railroad Earth (2017)
- Played Japan with Magpie Salute and Jimmy Herring (2019)
Ongoing Role with Railroad Earth
Slocum joined **Railroad Earth (Read more about his journey into RRE)** after the band had already established itself as a significant force in the jam band and newgrass scenes. His addition brought a new dimension to their sound, with his keyboard work enhancing the band's dynamic range and adding depth to their improvisations. Whether through subtle, atmospheric contributions or bold, energetic solos, Slocum’s keyboard playing complements the band's mix of traditional and modern influences. His improvisational skills are a perfect fit for Railroad Earth’s live performances, where spontaneity and exploration are key elements of the show.
In addition to his work with Railroad Earth,
Slocum has continued to collaborate with various musicians and bands across different genres. His versatility as a keyboardist has made him a valuable contributor to many projects beyond the jam band scene. He is currently a touring member of James Hunter 6( on the road opening for Bonnie Raitt), Warren Haynes Band and Railroad Earth.
Legacy
Matt Slocum is respected not only for his technical proficiency but also for his creative approach to music. Matt’s style is marked by his ability to move effortlessly between different musical genres. He is equally comfortable playing intricate jazz progressions, bluesy riffs, or classical-inspired pieces. His contributions to Railroad Earth and other bands have helped shape the modern jam band sound, blending tradition with innovation in a way that resonates with a wide audience.
Matt is recognized as a talented keyboardist. His musical abilities are not confined to performance alone; he also possesses a remarkable talent for teaching. Read more below
Matt Slocum on tour with Warren Haynes Band, Indianpolis, July '24|Photo credit: Mark Sheldon
Matt w/ Col. Bruce Hampton and Oteil Burbridge | Photo Credit: Z2
Matt w/ Railroad Earth | Photo Credit: Shredded Express Photography
Matt w/ The Magpie Salute | Photo Credit: Rolling Stone
Matt Slocum TEACHING Keys
Learning opportunities coming soon
"Matt is kind, patient and was always professional tailoring each lesson to both of my daughter’s abilities. His wealth of knowledge and musical talent is beyond impressive and his ability to make each lesson exciting and fun was a bonus! Matt took the time to connect with the girls learning about their musical interests and created lessons that they related to while also expanding their knowledge and improving their skills. Matt’s dedication to create unique one of a kind lessons was an experience we are very grateful for! " ~ Megan Mattox, parent of two of Matt's music students
Matt Slocum is widely recognized as a talented keyboardist. His musical abilities are not confined to performance alone; he also possesses a remarkable talent for teaching, which has garnered him admiration from both students and peers.
Slocum’s piano prowess is evident in his seamless integration of classical technique with contemporary styles. His ability to create emotive and intricate arrangements showcases a deep understanding of the instrument. As a teacher, Slocum has the unique ability to translate this understanding into accessible lessons that inspire and challenge his students. He approaches teaching with the same passion he brings to his performances, ensuring that his students not only learn the technical aspects of piano playing but also develop a love for the instrument.
One of Slocum’s key strengths as a teacher is his adaptability. He tailors his teaching methods to suit the individual needs of each student, recognizing that every learner has a different pace and style of absorbing information. Whether teaching beginners or advanced students, Slocum emphasizes the importance of mastering the fundamentals while encouraging creative expression. This balance helps his students build a strong foundation, enabling them to explore and develop their own unique musical voices.
Moreover, Slocum’s experience as a professional musician provides his students with insights into the practical aspects of music, such as composition, improvisation, and performance. He often shares real-world applications of the skills he teaches, making lessons more relevant and engaging. His students benefit not only from his technical expertise but also from his deep understanding of the music industry.
Matt's ability to convey complex musical concepts in a way that is both understandable and inspiring makes him a highly effective educator. Through his teaching, he has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping the next generation of musicians, imparting both the skills and the passion necessary to succeed in the world of music.