Matt Dwonszyk is an accomplished bassist, composer, arranger and educator from Rocky Hill, CT. He graduated from the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz and then went on to receive his Masters degree from SUNY Purchase College. Dwonszyk is one of the most in-demand bass players in New England today. He is on faculty at Manchester Community College, Central Connecticut State University, Westfield University and the Hartt School of Music.
Dwonszyk has shared the bandstand with world-renowned jazz musicians such as Harold Mabern, Larry Willis, Steve Davis, Bennie Wallace, Jazzmeia Horn, Jonathan Barber among many others. He frequently performs at some of the top jazz clubs in New York City including Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy's Coca Cola Club, Smoke and the Blue Note. Matthew's debut recording, "Wonderful World", was released May of 2019 and his second album "A Year and a Day" on July 1st, 2022.
Following his highly regarded 2019 debut album, Matt Dwonszyk’s new release, A Year and a Day, contains 12 original tracks and a jazz standard that highlight the bassist/composer’s versatility and mastery across a range of jazz idioms. His seven-piece band, the Dwonztet, first came together in 2012 while attending Hartford’s renowned Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz. The band plays with a relaxed confidence and tightly woven interplay that only comes with years of performing together.
Although composed and recorded during COVID’s time of loss and isolation, the recording is filled with Dwonszyk’s bass virtuosity and signature generosity, optimism, and resilience. It opens with the haunting, hip-hop infused cannon “Souls on Ice” featuring spoken word artist Ghazi Omair, moves on to the R&B-inspired “Peaceful World”, and takes a swing at the blues in “Blues for Donny”. Led by vocalist Shenel Johns, the standout tune “Afro Blue” is a bold new interpretation of the Mongo Santamaria classic. The album’s closing song, the hypnotic “Be Strong Carry On”, gives us renewed vigor to face the challenges that lie ahead.
Ever indebted to his many mentors, Matt Dwonszyk dedicates this recording to the jazz masters that have left us over the past few years. Their enduring legacy is proudly carried on by Matt Dwonszyk and his Dwonztet.
In 2023, the Dwonztet performed at the Hartford Baby Grand Jazz Series, the Northampton Jazz Festival, Side Door Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, The Waterbury Palace Theater, Butler McCook House and many other venues around New England. In 2024, the Dwonztet is scheduled to play the Hartford Festival of Jazz as well as some of the top clubs in New England.
"Bassist/Composer/Bandleader Matt Dwonszyk is one of today's bright, young stars in the jazz world. On his latest release, A Year and a Day, Matt's bass playing, composing and band leading talents are all on full display. Dwonz always brings a calm, steady, inspired presence to any musical situation he is part of. His creative playing and writing are the very definition of musicality. Matt is truly a team player, melodic and grooving, always connecting with his fellow musicians & audience members. Brother Dwonz is one of my favorite musicians and people to be around!"
Sincerely, Steve Davis
Mattdwonszykbass@gmail.com