The opening of the bio that presents guitarist Matthew Stevens as faculty member at Berklee includes these testaments and quotes; these come right off the top: “Singular style dissolves the demarcation lines
between jazz, rock, and ambient music,” (Mojo). “Stevens’s music is “honest and soulful.” (Pitchfork) and, “music [that] advances the ideals of modern jazz”(WBGO).”
To encapsulate all of that beautiful descriptive prose, listen to him play. It is immediately unique and refreshing, with the liberty of creativity wherever and however it lands. The instant connection is a love of jazz and Americana.
I am not sure, that in many possible ‘Matthew kind of ways’, one can happen without the other. One is foundation, the other a collective tradition, the mix is rightly connected, as it all ought to be, just like so many very often interwoven essences of vibrant collective cultures.