LLEW MATTHEWS
Genres: Hard Bop, Fusion • United States

Llewellyn Steury Matthews. March 21, 1946 - August 4, 2024 Llew was born in Harlem, NY to a mother from Czechoslovakia and an African-American father. He developed an interest in music at a young age and began playing a ukulele before focusing on the trumpet and french horn. Llew attended the New York High School of Music and Art, took up piano, and developed an interest in composing. In 1963, he was admitted to the prestigious New York School of Music and became part of the New York jazz scene. During the Vietnam War, Llew joined the Air Force and served for eight years traveling the world performing for troops. In the 1970s, he became "Chief arranger" for the U.S. Armed Forces Bicentennial Band, a 67-piece band with an accompanying 24-member chorus. He arranged music for the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter and tunes continue to be played presently. After his Military read more...