Matthew Mazanek
Guitarist - Academic - Educator
Anne Randolph Project
2017 through 2020
In the summer of 2017 I was asked to accompany a singer by the name of Anne Randolph. The music was described as eclectic, neither pop, classical, or folk music. I quickly learned why. Anne's concept wove together the poetry of Thomas Moore (1779-1852), Robert Burns(1759-1796), Percy French (1852-1920), and the songs of contemporary American 'bards' like Joan Baez(b.1947), and Joni Mitchell (b. 1943.)
Inspired by this juxtaposition of times and styles, I aimed to take a more renaissance based 'punteado' or contrapuntal style and lay that over more intricate and contemporary harmonies. Clarinetist, Keith Donald, bassist Garvan Gallagher an Vera Craughwell on accordion completed the sound.
Fredonia Guitar Quartet
2012-2014
I was given the amazing opportunity to perform with a group of individuals I respected and admired. During my time with them we did some amazing work and performed at a level I did not think I was capable of at the time. Thanks to the guidance of Jim Piorkowski we tackled some difficult repertoire and performed in many venues across Western New York. During our two years together we continued the groups tradition of performing new works for guitar quartet and had several pieces written for us by composers I now consider not only friends, but respected colleagues. Together we played new works for the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, and got a chance to perform with them in guitar ensemble for a production of 'Shiki' by Shingo Fuji.
In addition to premiering new works we also took on some fresh repertoire for the ensemble including works by Bogdanovic, Leo Brouwer, and arrangements from the archives of the Buffalo Guitar Quartet.
Sleepyhead and the Native Estates
2010-2012
While living on Long Island I played music with a number of different people but while studying at Suffolk County Community College I met and collaborated with a few musicians who changed the course of my growth as a musician. First was a semi-acoustic setup involving Dylan Pagillo, Francesca Brennan, Aaron Charles, and Charlie Buonasera called the Native Estates. We played a number of shows across Long Island and released a small EP of a few songs composed by Dylan.
Eventually the group transitioned into Sleepyhead which saw the addition of singer-songwriter Michael Korb on drums. We released a full length album and played at a number of different venues on Long Island and New York City. We're obviously no longer active but the album is on soundcloud and you can purchase it for whatever you want here!