The Checkout – Live at Berklee: Matthew Stevens Quintet

On Wednesday, April 2nd, Berklee College of Music’s Café 939 presents The Checkout – Live at Berklee: Matthew Stevens Quintet. In collaboration with NPR Music and WBGO FM, Berklee brings alumni back to their alma mater for an intimate showcase. The performance will feature the group's leader and guitarist Matthew Stevens, Gerald Clayton on piano, Vicente Archer on bass, and fellow alumni Eric Doob on drums and Paulo Stagnaro on percussion.

If you’re not in town, the concert will be webcast live in HD video at nprmusic.org and airs in New York on WGBO 88.3 FM at 8pm. For those unable to catch it live, it will be available for on-demand listening at NPR Music and checkoutjazz.org

A major development in Stevens’ career includes the impending release of his first album on Concord Records. His impressive track record boasts performances and recordings with some of the most renowned contemporary musicians, such as Christian Scott, Victor Bailey, Jason Moran, Jeff Lorber, Esperanza Spalding and Terri Lyne Carrington. His musicianship has been recognized in significant publications including the New York Times, Downbeat, Jazz Times, Billboard, and the Los Angeles Times.

While at Berklee, Stevens seized the opportunity to study with many renowned artists, such as Joe Lovano, Pat Metheny, Mick Goodrick, David Samuels and Hal Crook. His student performances included collaborations with esteemed jazz musicians Gary Burton, Abe Laboriel, George Duke, and Lalah Hathaway. As if these achievements didn’t suffice for an outstanding college career, Stevens graduated summa cum laude in 2004 and was awarded the Guitar Department's highest honor, the Jimi Hendrix Award. 

It’s a guarantee that this performance will provide great music and entertainment from Berklee’s proud alumni. Tickets are $5 dollars with a Berklee ID and $10 general admission. Café 939 is located at 939 Boylston St, Boston. For more info, please call 617-747-2261 or visit berklee.edu/events/cafe-939.