Bassist is a native of Winston-Salem, where he attended the North Carolina School of the Arts. In 1977, he moved to New York City and performed for four years in numerous avant-garde venues. After studying with jazz educator Jerry Coker at the University of Tennessee, and playing in the Knoxville Symphony, he returned to Winston-Salem in 1981. As a performer/composer, Matt has released five CD’s, including more that forty of his own compositions, to critical acclaim. He has also garnered many grants and fellowships. Matt has performed with numerous jazz artists, including Marian McPartland, Tierney Sutton, Archie Shepp and Jaki Byard. He serves on the board of Music Carolina, and is the music director for Carolina Music Ways. He has scored music for three films, and his own ensemble, the Matt Kendrick Unit, has played festivals, museums, clubs, etc. throughout the southeast.