Matt Johnson (keyboardist)
| Matt Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 3 February 1969 |
| Origin | Bournemouth, England |
| Genres | Funk, acid jazz, pop, rock, R&B, soul, dance, disco, reggae |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Keyboards |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Associated acts | Jamiroquai (2002–present) |
Matt Johnson (born 3 February 1969, Bournemouth, England) is a British keyboardist who plays for the alternative jazz band Jamiroquai.
Matt was aged one and a half when he started playing the piano at his family home. "My dad was a musician so there was always music playing in the house, but I remember being taught by a scary old piano teacher, who must have been over 90 years old". His influences range from Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis through to Squarepusher.
Before playing in Jamiroquai he was a hugely respected writer and performer in bands "Sunray", with whom Kym Mazelle recorded a cover of "Perhaps", and Nu Hope. He has also written and produced artists with artists such as Alexia, who had a minor hit with "Ring".
His route into Jamiroquai was via an audition in 2002. He was recommended by Simon Katz, a previous guitarist, and Derrick gave him the call. The audition was a success and Matt is now a well established writer and member of the Jamiroquai family.
Johnson has recently become chief song writing partner and producer along with band mate, guitarist Rob Harris, for the highly anticipated teenage singer/songwriter Julian Perretta (Sony BMG) towards his debut album. A date for release is thought to be 2009.
Matt joined Jamiroquai on 2 May 2002 replacing the prestigious founding member Toby Smith as keyboardist.
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