Matt Glickman, the emerging keyboardist, singer, and songwriter in the New England jam scene, is set to release his highly anticipated debut live album on November 10th. Glickman has carved out a distinguished position in the music world. His collaborations with Yardbirds members, repeat performances at esteemed venues such as Levitate Backyard, invitations to prestigious festivals like LOCKN', and associations with members from Furthur and The Wallflowers all contribute to his prominent standing in the industry.
Titled 'Live from Starks, Maine 10.1.22', the album notably features a 20-minute solo-acoustic rendition of Phil Lesh's "Unbroken Chain." But it’s not just about the music; the album's creation was deeply influenced by Glickman's personal struggles with mental health. "The impact of COVID on music and my grief led me to break down a bit and has shaped a lot of the writing leading up to this show and its release," says Glickman, who tragically lost his mother in 2020.
Yet, in this album, Glickman finds a space to delve deep into these emotions, transforming them into songs that resonate with authenticity and heart. The album also brings forth the gorgeous vocals of Darby Sabin, known for her collaborations with Oteil Burbridge and Tom Constanten of the Grateful Dead. Alongside Darby, Matt recently shared the stage with Andy Frasco and the U.N., Karina Rykman, and more. They opened for the Emmy Award-winning Maggie Rose, celebrated for her appearances on the nationally-syndicated Bobby Bones Show and acclaim from outlets like Vogue, The New York Times, and NPR. Additionally, in the previous year, Matt had the honor of opening for the Grammy-winning artist, Kabaka Pyramid.
Born and raised in NYC, Glickman embarked on his musical journey with intensive classical training over many years, delving into the works of Chopin, Beethoven, and Mozart. However, it was during his high school years that he began frequenting Greenwich Village, immersing himself in a vibrant world of art and activism alongside hipsters and hippies. His unique inspirations from spell books, revamped stories of crossroads, and deep acoustic jams shine through.
"Hunter's dark narratives about characters who are down and out resonated with me as a metaphor," shares Glickman, referring to the beloved Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. His affinity for such narratives, coupled with his formal training at Berklee College of Music under Dave Limina—who has shared the stage with legends like Chuck Berry and B.B. King—and an additional master class with John Medeski outside of Berklee, has significantly influenced his unique approach to his work.
Grateful Web has sung praises for Glickman, writing, “The jamband community is no stranger to rising stars, and among them, New England's very own Matt Glickman is catching the spotlight. They continue, “Glickman invites listeners on a journey that delves deep into the heart of jamband music, but with a twist.”
In addition to the album, fans can look forward to Glickman's participation in the upcoming Yardbirds release, 'Family Tree II'. “Meeting and playing with your heroes is a priceless experience that they don't teach you how to handle in art school,” Glickman told Grateful Web. “Yardbirds Family Tree II is a work in progress that I’ve had the honor of being a part of. Kenny Aaronson's bass playing has improved my organ playing, giving a better feel just through my remote tracking with him and others.”
As Glickman's musical journey continues to unfold, the anticipation and excitement surrounding his upcoming endeavors are palpable. From deeply personal albums to collaborations with renowned artists, his contribution to the jam scene remains undeniable. As he carves out his legacy, fans and followers can eagerly await the many surprises and musical gems he has in store. Stay tuned for continued updates!
