About Matt Slocum
Described by JazzTimes as “a tastefully polyrhythmic drummer with a penchant for melodicism on the kit," Matt Slocum has also earned a reputation as an inventive and lyrical composer. He is the recipient of composition grants and commissions from the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, Chamber Music America, New Music USA, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the Puffin Foundation and Meet the Composer.
Frequently referred to as a "musical" drummer, Slocum possesses a distinctive voice on the instrument and is a propulsive, melodic and dynamic accompanist and soloist. He has toured throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has performed and/or recorded with artists such as Massimo Biolcati, Steve Cardenas, Gerald Clayton, Taylor Eigsti, Aaron Goldberg, Larry Grenadier, Jon Irabagon, Lage Lund, Jerome Sabbagh, Jaleel Shaw, Walter Smith III, Dayna Stephens, Ben Wendel, Sam Yahel, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota and raised in western Wisconsin, Slocum began musical studies on piano before switching to percussion at age 11. While in high school he was introduced to jazz through recordings featuring Max Roach and Philly Joe Jones. He attended the University of Southern California where he studied with Peter Erskine. After graduating in 2004, Slocum spent three years in California before making the move to New York.
A Revolving Alliance (June 19, 2026) is Slocum’s eighth record as a leader and fourth for the Sunnyside Records label. The project features Emmanuel Michael (guitar) and Larry Grenadier (bass). Like With Love and Sadness and Lion Dance, A Revolving Alliance is an audiophile, all-analog vinyl release.