| Jazz |
With his sophomore release Daybreak, guitarist Matt Greenwood builds on the artistic promise first hinted at on his critically praised debut Atlas, creating a record that both deepens and expands his voice as an inspired jazz composer and talented guitarist. This nine-track album finds Greenwood exploring a broad spectrum of musical influences — blending modern jazz harmonies with subtle world-music touches, blues-rock-inflected guitar lines and ambient soundscapes that give the music a cinematic sweep.
From the outset, Daybreak strikes a distinctive emotional tone. Opener “Beneath Balancing Boulders” gently sets the scene with a reflective, lyrical guitar voice, suggesting a dawn-like quietude that permeates much of the album. This calm is balanced with more dynamic material like “Alveston Avenue” and “Jericho” which offer up-tempo interplay between Greenwood’s nimble improvisations and an empathetic rhythm section anchored by bassist Mike Downes and drummer Mark Kelso.
One of the album’s strengths is how it moves fluidly between moods. “1000 Paper Cranes” wraps world-music sensibilities into its structure, evoking a sense of ritual and resilience, while “Guide My Hand” brings a contemplative closure to the set with spacious phrasing and thoughtful harmonic exploration. These contrasts make Daybreak feel like a wonderful musical journey.
Another musical piece which here proves all of Greenwood’s talent, finesse and sensitivity is the adaptation of “La Demoiselle élue” by Claude Debussy, the only title on this album which is not an original composition by Greenwood. A piece which demonstrates that the finesse of Greenwood’s guitar playing deserves a thousand times more ovations than albums by guitarists focused on demonstrative virtuosity where speed rivals the number of notes played per minute.
What sets Greenwood apart here is not only his technical facility — he’s as comfortable laying down expressive, nuanced guitar lines as he is crafting engaging ensemble passages — but his compositional vision. Across the nine pieces his writing feels cohesive yet adventurous, consistently revealing fresh details on subsequent listens.
Daybreak is a compelling evolution for Matt Greenwood — a confident, expressive statement from an artist forging his own path in contemporary jazz. Whether you’re drawn to its atmospheric passages, rhythmic energy, or melodic depth, this album rewards attention with its subtlety and craft. A must have!
Frankie Pfeiffer
Editor in chief – PARIS-MOVE
PARIS-MOVE, March 2nd 2026
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Musicians:
Matt Greenwood – Guitar, Production, Compositions
Mike Downes – Bass
Mark Kelso – Drums
Othnel ‘Mangoma’ Moyo – Percussion (4 and 9)
Tracklisting:
1. Beneath Balancing Boulders 4:43
2. Paper Planes 3:36
3. La Damoiselle élue 4:02 (adaptation of Claude Debussy)
4. 1000 Paper Cranes 5:18
5. Alveston Avenue 6:11
6. Strength to Spare 3:01
7. Jericho 5:49
8. Fear Like Fire 4:12
9. Guide My hand 5:14