press

"Brilliant"

-The Philadelphia Daily News

"Davis is a local gem in this guitar-focused town who has played with everyone from Odeon Pope to Terrell Stafford.

-All About Jazz

"If you don't know who he is, find out. Matt Davis is a masterful local guitarist... he has a combo called Aerial Photograph which boasts some of the most unique, elegiac and compelling music being performed in Philadelphia. I urge everyone to go to www.MattDavisGuitar.com to learn more.

-Magnaphone Magazine

"Matt Davis has established himself as a solid behind-the-scenes guy on Philly's adventurous music scene. The guitarist and recent Temple alum plays regularly in the Chance Trio and Bobby Zankel's Warriors of the Wonderful Sound, both bands frequent fliers at Tritone. His Aerial Photograph began as a conventional jazz rhythm section and evolved into something larger and considerably stranger. On this gig, the group will feature as many as a dozen musicians in a loose chamber configuration, complete with string quartet. At its best, this music is multilayered and gently provocative; at its worst, it outpaces its own airy pretensions. But Davis has stocked the bandstand with some undeniable talent from his own generation, including saxophonist Brian Woestehoff, trumpeter Bart Miltenberger and bassist Mike Taylor. Davis, already a distinctive guitarist, is clearly still developing his voice as a leader and composer. And as Martha used to say, it's a good thing."

-Nate Chinen in The Philadelphia City Paper

"In the past few years 24-year-old Temple alum Matt Davis has lent his guitar skill to a whole list of Philly jazz luminaries, including Odean Pope, Bobby Zankel, Dave Liebman and Billy Harper. His new septet, Aerial Photograph, takes all of the guitarist's jazz training and apprenticeship and applies it to a neoclassical sound composed for guitar, bass, drums, 2 violins, viola and cello. On the group's self titled debut, Matt Davis' Aerial Photograph, the band sounds a lot like such instrumental units as Clogs, the Rachels and the Kronos Quartet. And there's every reason to believe Davis can climb to similar heights"

-The Philadelphia Weekly

"The orchestral touch with the violins...adds a cool 20th century classical feel. Much like something you might expect from Bartoc or Ives. The originality is a definite plus and the overall musicianship is great."

-South of Mainstream. com

"Matt's style of playing breaths fire and ice, making for some steamy enhancements to the quartet's repertoire."

-Radio DJ, Dr. Cosmo - WPRB 103.3fm

"A 2001 graduate of Temple University's Esther Boyer College of Music, Davis takes jazz to some mysterious places on the handsome title track, which seems to borrow from Pat Methany. "Benediction" is gentle and melodic, and "Moments" is filled with free bowing from the strings and a ferocious opening solo from bassist Jeff Pedraz. The group takes chances and pulls off many creative moments."

-The Philadelphia Inquirer

"A [John] Mclaughlin feel... some incredible stuff... it feels really good."

-Radio DJ, J. Michael Harrison - WRTI 90.1fm

"The Lyle Lovett of Philly, Matt Davis (he co-wrote my fave tune, "Bruised Fruit," with cellist Monica Mcintrye) and his big band, Aerial Photograph, hit Tin Angel April 4."

-A.D. Amorosi of the Philadelphia City Paper