Matt Johnson
High-gloss funk and nu-jazz led by virtuosic keyboard work. Shimmering, upbeat instrumentals that feel like a sunset drive through a neon city.
High-gloss funk and nu-jazz led by virtuosic keyboard work. Shimmering, upbeat instrumentals that feel like a sunset drive through a neon city.
This is music that moves with a sophisticated, effortless glide. Built around the masterful keyboard work of a veteran session player, the sound is a blend of classic acid jazz sensibilities and modern, high-definition production. It is bright, rhythmically intricate, and deeply melodic, favoring the warm tones of Rhodes pianos and the soaring textures of vintage synthesizers over heavy vocal presence.
What sets this apart is the sheer technical fluidity. Unlike more experimental jazz, this stays firmly in the pocket, providing a consistent groove that feels both expensive and accessible. It captures the 'space-cowboy' energy of his long-term collaborators while carving out a more personal, melodic space that focuses on the interplay between harmony and rhythm.
Start with the 2020 album 'With The Music' to hear the full breadth of his solo voice. It is the perfect entry point for anyone who loves the rhythmic drive of Jamiroquai but wants to hear the harmonic architecture behind the hits laid bare in a solo setting.
Matthew Johnson (born 3 February 1969 in London) is a British keyboardist who plays for the funk and jazz band Jamiroquai.
Shares smooth jazz, joyful, jazz fusion, funk (subgenre)
Shares keys/synth, jazz fusion, hand played, funk (signature)
Shares smooth jazz, nu jazz, jazz fusion, funk (subgenre)
Shares joyful, jazz fusion, hand played, funk (signature)
Shares joyful, nu jazz, keys/synth, hand played (signature)
Shares smooth jazz, jazz fusion, hand played, funk (subgenre)
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