Matt Richards

Born and raised in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, guitarist Matt Richards grew up in the culturally fertile cross-currents of the 1960s. His musical pathway opened in the mix of folk, rock and psychedelic music that defined that decade and eventually drew him into the hyperactive jazz-fusion of the 1970s.

Initially a self-taught player, Matt earnestly developed the technically advanced musical abilities necessary to be part of that highly-energized genre. As his musicianship developed, he discovered straight-ahead jazz and began incorporating the acoustic guitar in various projects. 

During the pandemic lockdown Matt self-produced and released Power Trio Project featuring bass guitarist Tony Donato and drummer Paul Albrecht. He also began composing and producing a wide range of music for soundtracks and film scores.

Matt's festival features include the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival and the One Month Festival of South Korea. He has been a featured artist at numerous NAMM Shows and in venues such as the National Constitution Center and the Barnes Arboretum.

The broad range of musical artists Matt has worked with includes Larry Coryell, Joey DeFrancesco, Mike Clark, Kenwood Dennard, Essra Mohawk, Adrian Valosin, Elio Villafranca, Bobby Zankel and Bill Zola. During the 1980s he worked as a studio session musician on innumerable recording projects.

Matt is currently on the faculty at Ambler Music Academy and Cheltenham Music & Art. He has previously served as Head of Faculty at FrankfordStyle School for Creative Arts and as Music Program Director for Zanaras Music Stores. Matt conducts educational workshops and masterclasses.