Biography

Matt Vashlishan is a saxophonist originally from the Pocono Mountain area in
Pennsylvania. In 2001, he attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester NY,
studying under Walt Weiskopf.  Upon graduation in May of 2005, Matt traveled
extensively around the world visiting Norway, the UK, the Mediterranean Sea,
Europe, Venezuela, as well as the Caribbean while performing on board two cruise
ships (the Queen Mary 2-Cunard, Queen Elizabeth 2,
and the Golden Princess-Princess Cruises).

Currently he is working on a graduate degree in "music education and research"
(jazz performance) at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ.

During his time at the Eastman School of Music, Matt was part of
Saxology as well as the Eastman Jazz Ensemble. He has also shared the
stage with numerous musicians such as David Liebman, Phil Woods,
Ian Froman, John Hart, Bill Goodwin, Jesse Green, Walt Weiskopf,
Clark Terry, Rob Stoneback Big Band, the Dave Rivello Ensemble, the
Bill Warfield Big Band, Gary Rissmiller, Marko Marcinko, Paul Rostock,
Vic Juris, Steve Marcus, Gene Pitney, The Temptations, and The Four Tops.

"Good stuff! - This is Passionate, intelligent jazz with the proper balance of
cutting edge and tradition. Matt is playing with virtuosity and imagination."
- Phil Woods

Recently, Matt was involved as a mentor for the inception of COTA Camp Jazz,
 founded by Phil Woods and Rick Chamberlain - for more information click HERE.

Aside from playing, Matt has involved himself in various electronic music
experimentation as well as working with David Liebman and Jamey Aebersold.