At the age of ten, Matt started tuning in to the old Lawrence Welk Show, and at fifteen he purchased his first accordion. Since then, Matt has worked to perfect a sound and approach to the instrument all his own, setting his focus on a combined repertoire of traditional polkas and ethnic music coupled with traditional jazz, ragtime, and the pop tunes of the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s. Along with his vocals, Matt has created a truly unique sound for himself which has put him in demand at festivals and events throughout the country. Enjoy some of this accordion music right here!
Matt performs accordion in a wide variety of settings, and enjoys bringing ragtime and traditional jazz to the instrument. The accordion is a natural candidate for all of this music that was favored by the bands and orchestras of the period, and Matt uses it as a fine accompaniment to his voice. Rags, one steps, two steps, marches, cakewalks, and other spirited pieces that Matt loves to play and bring to the his audience
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It's no secret that the accordion is at home with any and all European music, and Matt is a specialist in German, Czech, Austrian, Swiss, and Scandinavian music, whether as a soloist or playing with his polka band, The Royal Klobasneks. Matt's love of traditional European folk music speaks for itself. You may have noticed, too, that Matt plays vintage accordions - part of his all-around salute to tradition.