Matt Nelson Trio

• Matt Nelson - piano/keyboards
• Graham Czach - upright/electric bass
• Matt Nischan - drums
• Makaya McCraven, Brandon Dickert (alternates) - drums
• Leandro Varady Lopez, Rob Clearfield (alternates) - piano/keyboards

The MATT NELSON TRIO is a diverse jazz trio with an impeccable reputation for providing quality live entertainment receiving a 4-STAR REVIEW in Downbeat Mag. Aug '11 issue for their debut album w/ members hailing from the best in music today including Lupe Fiasco, Chicago Afrobeat Project and more. Available for Corporate Events, Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthday Parties, Cocktail Parties, and more, we want to help make your event the best it can possibly be! Read our testimonials, we have a flawless reputation and a guaranteed performance!

Looking for a larger group? Vocals, Saxophone, Trumpet, and Guitar can be added to the lineup courtesy of some of Chicago's finest musicians.

Need solo accompaniment? Matt Nelson is also available as a solo pianist for every event, including Ceremonies!

The MATT NELSON TRIO specializes in providing dazzling performances of your favorite Jazz / Swing / Latin / Dance Standards, and is adaptable to any situation. Whether the event calls for background music, dance music, or original venue music this is the group to call. CUSTOMIZE your event with us. We take SONG REQUESTS!!!

Recent high profile performances include Mayor Daley events, the DiCarlo Wine tasting, Belvedere Bridal Conventions, a Clark Construction Event (famous for building the Chicago Hyatt), performances at the Ritz Carlton, Embassy Suites, McCormick Place, Andy's, and the prestigious Polish Film Festival and Awards Ceremony held in Chicago.

The MATT NELSON TRIO is respectful, prepared, and on-time with lots of energy and a great sound that will entertain!

FLEXIBLE BIDS TO MEET YOUR BUDGET NEEDS!

WILLING TO TRAVEL!

BOOK US TODAY!!!

• A Child is Born - Thad Jones
• A Fine Romance - Kern/Fields
• A Foggy Day - George Gershwin
• A Night in Tunisia - Dizzy Gillespie
• African Flower - Duke Ellington
• Afro Blue - M. Santamaria
• Afternoon in Paris - John Lewis
• Airegin - Sonny Rollins
• Alice in Wonderland - Fain/Hilliard
• All Blues - Miles Davis
• All in Love is Fair - Stevie Wonder
• All my Tomorrows - Cahn/Van Heusen
• All of Me - Simone and Marks
• All of You - Cole Porter
• All the Things You Are - Hammerstein/Kern
• Alone Together - Dietz/Schwartz
• Ana Maria - Wayne Shorter
• Angel Eyes - Dennis/Brent
• Anthropology - Charlie Parker
• April in Paris - Vernon Duke
• April Joy - Pat Metheny
• Armageddon - Wayne Shorter
• As Time Goes By - Herman Hupfeld
• Autumn in New York - Vernon Duke
• Autumn Leaves - Johnny Mercer
• Beautiful Love - Victor Young
• Bessie's Blues - John Coltrane
• Bewitched - Rodgers/Hart
• Black Narcissus - Joe Henderson
• Black Orpheus - Louis Bonfi
• Blue Bossa - Kenny Dorham
• Blue in Green - Miles Davis
• Blue Monk - Theloneus Monk
• Blue Room - Rodgers/Hart
• Bluesette - Toots Thielemans
• Blues for Alice - Charlie Parker
• Blue Trane - John Coltrane
• Body and Soul - Green
• Bright Size Life - Pat Metheny
• Broadway Blues - Ornette Coleman
• But Beautiful - Van Heusen/Duke
• Butterfly - Herbie Hancock
• Chelsea Bridge - Billy Strayhorn
• Cherokee - Ray Noble
• Chicken Feathers - Steve Kuhn
• Come Sunday - Duke Ellington
• Comrade Conrad - Bill Evans
• Con Alma - Dizzy Gillespie
• Confirmation - Charlie Parker
• Cottontail - Duke Ellington
• Could it Be You - Cole Porter
• Countdown - John Coltrane
• Crystal Silence - Chick Corea
• Daahoud - Clifford Brown
• Dancing on the Ceiling - Rodgers/Hart
• Darn that Dream - Van Heusen
• The Days of Wine and Roses - Mancini
• Delores - Wayne Shorter
• Desafinado - Jobim
• Dolphin Dance - Herbie Hancock
• Donna Lee - Charlie Parker
• Don't Get Around Much Anymore - Duke Ellington
• Easy to Love - Cole Porter
• Equinox - John Coltrane
• E.S.P. - Miles Davis
• Fall - Wayne Shorter
• Falling Grace - Steve Swallow
• Falling in Love with Love - Rodgers/Hart
• 500 Miles High - Chick Corea
• Footprints - Wayne Shorter
• Four - Miles Davis
• Freddie the Freeloader - Miles Davis
• Freedom Jazz Dance - Eddie Harris
• Gentle Rain - Louis Boufi
• Giant Steps - John Coltrane
• The Girl From Ipanema - Jobim
• Goodbye Pork Pie Hat - Charles Mingus
• Green Dolphin Street - Kaper/Washington
• Groovin' High - Dizzy Gillespie
• Have You Met Miss Jones - Rodgers/Hart
• Here's That Rainy Day - Jim Van Heusen
• How High the Moon - Morgan Lewis
• How Insensitive - Jobim
• How My Heart Sings - Earl Zindars
• I Love You - Cole Porter
• I'm All Smiles - Leonard/Martin
• I'll Remember April - Raye-DePaul-Johnstone
• Impressions - John Coletrane
• In A Mellow Tone - Duke Ellington
• In A Sentimental Mood - Duke Ellington
• Intrepid Fox - Freddie Hubbard
• In Your Own Sweet Way - Dave Brubeck
• Invitation - Kaper/Washington
• Isn't It Romantic? - Rodgers/Hart
• It Don't Mean a Thing - Duke Ellington
• Journey to Recife - Bill Evans
• Joy Spring - Clifford Brown
• Ju-Ju - Wayne Shorter
• Just Friends - Klemmer/Lewis
• Lady Bird - Tadd Dameron
• Lazybird - John Coltrane
• I'm Old Fashioned - Standard
• Little Waltz - Ron Carter
• Long Ago and Far Away - Kern/Gershwin
• Lullaby of Birdland - George Shearing
• Lush Life - Billy Strayhorn
• Maiden Voyage - Herbie Hancock
• Meditation - Jobim
• Michelle - Lennon/McCartney
• Midnight Mood - Joe Zawinul
• Minority - Cannonball Adderly
• Misty - Errol Garner
• Moment's Notice - John Coltrane
• Mood Indigo - Duke Ellington
• Mr. P.C. - John Coltrane
• My Favorite Things - Rodgers
• My Foolish Heart - Washington/Young
• My Funny Valentine - Rodgers/Hart
• My One and Only Love - Wood/Mellin
• My Romance - Rodgers/Hart
• Naima - John Coltrane
• Nardis - Miles Davis
• Nefertiti - Miles Davis
• Nica's Dream - Horace Silver
• Night and Day - Cole Porter
• Nostalgia in Times Square - Charles Mingus
• Oleo - Sonny Rollins
• One Note Samba - Jobim
• Orbits - Wayne Shorter
• Ornithonlogy - Charlie Parker
• Pee Wee - Tony Williams
• Pensative - Clare Fischer
• Pent-Up House - Sonny Rollins
• Peri's Scope - Bill Evans
• Pinnochio - Wayne Shorter
• Pussy Cat Dues - Charles Mingus
• Recordame - Joe Henderson
• Red Clay - Freddie Hubbard
• Resolution - John Coltrane
• Fried Bananas - Dexter Gordon
• A Dream of You - Standard
• 'Round Midnight - Theloneous Monk
• Satin Doll - Duke Ellington
• Scrapple From the Apple - Charlie Parker
• Seven Steps to Heaven - Miles Davis
• Totem Pole - Lee Morgan
• Skating in Central Park - John Lewis
• Solar - Miles Davis
• Someday My Prince Will Come - Churchhill
• Song For My Father - Horace Silver
• The Sorcerer - Herbie Hancock
• So What - Miles Davis
• Speak No Evil - Wayne Shorter
• St. Louis Blues
• Stella By Starlight - Victor Young
• Steps - Chick Corea
• Matrix - Chick Corea
• Times Lie - Chick Corea
• Pannonnica
• Straight, No Chaser - Theloneous Monk
• Summer Samba - Marcus and Paul Sergio
• Take Five - Paul Desmond
• Take the A Train - Ellington/Strayhorn
• There is No Greater Love - Symes/Jones
• There Will Never Be Another You - Warren/Gordon
• They Can't Take That Away From Me - Gershwin
• Makin' Whoopee
• Tune Up - Miles Davis
• Walkin' - Carpenter
• Waltz For Debby - Bill Evans
• Wave - Jobim
• Well You Needn't - Monk
• What Was - Chick Corea
• Wildflower - Wayne Shorter
• Little Sunflower - Wayne Shorter
• Windows - Chick Corea
• Witch Hunt - Wayne Shorter
• Yes or No - Wayne Shorter
• Yesterday - Lennon/McCartney
• You Are the Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder
• You Are Too Beautiful - Rodgers/Hart
• Spain - Chick Corea
• Road Song - Wes Montgomery
• Compliments - Matt Nischan
• To Here and Back - Matt Nischan
• Relative Thinkers - Matt Nischan
• Hello Woodlands - Matt Nischan
• Telltales - Matt Nischan
• Opening the Door - Matt Nischan
• Blandly So - Matt Nischan
• The Epitome - Matt Nelson
• Revisited - Matt Nelson
• Rennaisance - Matt Nelson

Anniversaries, Awards Nights, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Cocktail Parties, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Picnic, Private Parties, Restaurants, Reunions, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• I booked the trio for a cocktail reception. Our clients are Fortune 500 companies, so I was looking for a very professional and talented band. Graham responded very quickly to the quote request and followed up with a call. The attendees really loved the band, they wore appropriate attire, were nice and polite and very talented; we therefore booked them for the following night’s cocktail reception. Furthermore, we’re holding a similar event in 2 months and I just rebooked the Matt Nelson Trio to perform during the 2 cocktail receptions. -- Dana M, Wheeling, IL, 9/11/2011
• They were everything we were looking for -- for our corporate reception event. Thank you! -- Kathy V, Chicago, IL, 4/11/2010
• I was positively stunned at the level of talent of the Matt Nelson Trio! I got so many compliments on the band and how classy and elegant they made the reception. They played a wide variety of songs that appealed to many different people and they were able to keep it lively when appropriate and low key when appropriate. I had swing dancing friends, latin dancing friends, and people who just liked to ballroom dance or sway back and forth, and EVERYONE was happy with the music! Matt Nelson Trio made me look like a very smart, hip, and savvy bride! Rebecca Sharenow, Oak Park, Illinois -- Rebecca P, Geneva, IL, 10/5/2008
• We loved the Matt Nelson Trio! Very professional and their performance was perfect for our event. We would definitely use them again. Kathy Simpson, Event Chair Giant Steps Illinois -- Kathy S, Lisle, IL, 2/27/2010
• We had the trio plus one play for an afternoon wedding reception. We were very pleased. All of the logistics were handled smoothly and professionally and the music was just what we wanted. We would recommend the group without hesitation. -- Marc B, Evanston, IL, 8/10/2008
• The Matt Nelson Trio was simply outstanding – both in terms of their performance and in handling our pre-event arrangements. I'd hire this group again without hesitation. -- Tess H, Oak Brook, IL, 10/7/2009
• From start to finish, this was the most professional group of performers I have had the pleasure of working with. I had absolutely no issues whatsoever. The quality of their performance was outstanding, and my guests complemented me numerous times on how great they were. I would recommend them to anyone, and would definitely choose them again for my next party. -- Larry S, Oak Park, IL, 6/28/2008
• My bride and I were extremely happy with The Matt Nelson Trio. They provided the ideal performance for our wedding; their music and volume level (we asked them to provide background music for cocktails and dinner) provided the perfect vibe. In addition, Graham was diligent in working out the details of the performance so that we didn't have to worry about it during/after the wedding. I highly recommend them. -- Tom C, Chicago, IL, 5/31/2008
• The single ladies love them! Amazing! -- Sarah J, Highwood, IL, 3/24/2011
• We hired Matt Nelson Trio for our classic wedding at The Orpheum Theatre October 11, 2008. They fit the venue perfectly! They looked and sounded great and we couldn't have been happier! My cousin is a musician and he was impressed with their talent as well. Everyone had a great time and the Matt Nelson Trio definately contributed to that! Thanks guys! ~Wayne and Erica Leming -- Erica J, Madison, WI, 10/11/2008
• The Matt Nelson Trio was fantastic! I would use them again without hesitation and they were exactly what we were looking for. They were very professional! You could tell they loved what they did! -- Courtney P, Indianapolis, IN, 5/7/2008
• We hired the Matt Nelson Trio to play for our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. The Trio arrived extra early for set-up, played beautiful music, and was a pleasure to work with throughout the planning process. We would highly recommend their services! -- Jaime H, Lake Geneva, WI, 11/8/2008
• The Matt Nelson Trio was excellent. These guys have got chops. The music was classy, well-performed, and provided the perfect atmosphere for our brunch wedding. And, they were great to work with and really blended into and complemented the setting. I'd recommend them for any upscale event. -- Andrew H, Milwaukee, WI, 4/26/2008
• They were absolutely wonderful. I will consider having them again. The guests at the party enjoyed them and I received so many complements about them. -- Theresa C, Itasca, IL, 12/6/2007
• The Matt Nelson Trio arrived on time and ready to go. I thought the choice of music they selected was perfect for our pre-conference reception. We received a lot of great feedback from our guest about the choice of bands and how the added touch of the trio made the reception relaxing and inviting as folks geared up for a very busy week. I would certainly hire the Matt Nelson Trio again and look forward to working with them in the future. -- Nesha H, Chicago, IL, 10/1/2007
• They played beautifully and played exactly as we requested. -- Dawn M, Chicago, IL, 9/8/2007
• We hired the Matt Nelson Trio to play for our wedding on 07/14/07 and they were absolutely wonderful. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a talented, fun jazz trio for their special occasion. -- Jennifer T, Chicago, IL, 7/14/2007
• They played my wedding. Matt played solo piano for the seating and ceremony and was joined for the full trio during cocktail hour and dinner. The music was great and everyone commented on how much they loved them! -- Dan K, Chicago, IL, 3/31/2007
• The Matt Nelson Trio provided the perfect music for our corporate networking reception. They played great music at just the right level so that people could still talk and network. Graham was my contact and was very easy to do business with. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great 3-piece band for a corporate function! Cheryl Groves - TBM Consulting Group, Durham, NC -- Cheryl G, Lisle, IL, 3/21/2007
• Al though I didn't get the full chance to sit and listen to the entire set due to the wedding and making my rounds and all, what I did hear and see was absolutely fantastic and I would recommend them to anyone. -- Chuck W, Chicago, IL, 1/6/2007
• These three young men provided the entertainment for my father's 80th birthday party and he has been a jazz lover all his life. When I saw how young the band members looked I wasn't sure if they'd really know jazz the way my dad would want to hear it, but they quickly put those fears to rest. They were simply fantastic musicians, completely professional and very well mannered. You could tell they were really having fun just playing the music they loved and everyone at our party commented on what a great job they did. They were also very in tune to what was happening at the party and gearing their music to be appropriate--more quiet for background music, more up tempo for dancing, etc. These guys would be great for a dance, cocktail party, wedding reception, birthday party or any event where you want to creat some great atmosphere. Keep up the great work! -Rick -- Rick S, Chicago, IL, 9/28/2006
• Listened to the needs of the clients. Understood the task and performed expertly without exception. Worked with the Country Club expertly. Graham [Bass player] was wonderful with communication and arrangements beforehand with e-mail, phone and mail. Response from the attendees was overwhelmingly outstanding and many wanted their cards. Country Club also was impressed and added them to their list of recommended jazz trios. In addition to all comments above, they were polite, timely, professional and properly attired. Upbeat jazz at its best. We now know who to call for an excellent performance. -- David M, Glen Ellyn, IL, 8/6/2006
• Matt did a wonderful job playing for our wedding ceremony. We will definitely spread the news about his amazing talents. Thank you so much Matt. You were very flexible. You recevied many compliments from our wedding guests. Good Job! -- Callie S, Rolling Prairie, IN, 7/30/2005
• The group arrived very early which I appreciated. They were set up quickly, dressed professionally and played an extra ten mins. They sounded great as well. -- Marissa G, Chicago, IL, 8/7/2008
• Hiring the Matt Nelson Trio to play for our Saturday afternoon wedding reception was one of the best decisions we made! My husband and I are both musicians, so the music was a big priority for us. Graham was so professional when working out the details & special requests. A superbly talented vocalist, Sarah Young, joined the group -- I'd highly recommend her as well. Our guests (many of them musicians) raved about the music! Ironically, the keyboardist who played at our wedding was not Matt Nelson, but the musician who did play was top-notch! Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend the Matt Nelson Trio to anyone who wants to add charm and elegance to their event! -- Emily S, Streamwood, IL, 5/21/2011

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