{{Short description|American jazz fusion group}} {{About|the jazz fusion group|the production team|The Matrix (production team)|the DJ|Matrix (musician)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}} '''Matrix''' is a jazz fusion group from Appleton, Wisconsin, that started in 1974, noted for tight brass ensemble lines and complex musical themes inspired by literary works, the American Indian, and other significant programmatic themes. Matrix made its biggest impact on the music scene in the 1970s, including appearances at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1976 and 1977 and the Newport Jazz Festival in 1977.<ref>{{cite web|title=Matrix Itinerary|url=https://kurtdietrich.net/matrix-band/matrix-itinerary/|accessdate=|date=May 7, 2026|website=Matrix Itinerary}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Nathan|first=Dave|title=Proud Flesh: A Matrix Reunion - Matrix : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/proud-flesh-a-matrix-reunion-mw0000661713|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=7 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Torreano|first=Bradley|title=Matrix - Music Biography, Credits and Discography|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/matrix-mn0000326694|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=7 May 2013}}</ref><ref name=thrasher>{{cite web|title="Matrix: Wisconsin Jazz Legends", Event Information - Thrasher Opera House Green Lake Wisconsin|url=http://www.thrasheroperahouse.com/thrasher/eventdetail.asp?event=1161|publisher=Thrasher Opera House|accessdate=7 May 2013|archive-date=January 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112051504/http://www.thrasheroperahouse.com/thrasher/eventdetail.asp?event=1161|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The group re-formed in 1992, 2000, 2002, and 2009.<ref name=thrasher/>
Albums include ''Matrix IX'' (also the original name of the band), ''Wizard'', ''Tale of the Whale'', ''Harvest'' and ''Proud Flesh''.
== Original members == * Michael Bard - saxophones * Larry Darling - trumpet, flugelhorn, synthesizer, vocals * Kurt Dietrich - trombone, synthesizer, vocals * Randall Fird - bass, vocals * Mike Hale - trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion, vocals * John Harmon - keyboard * Jeff Pietrangelo - trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion * Fred Sturm - trombone, vocals * Tony Wagner - drums
== Latest members (Warner Bros., Pablo touring era, circa 1977–1980) == * Larry Darling (Zap) - trumpet, flugelhorn, synthesizer, vocals * Mike Hale (Tex) - trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion, vocals * Jeff Pietrangelo (Chimp) - trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion * Kurt Dietrich (Dietch) - trombone, synthesizer, vocals * Brad McDougall (Barry) - bass trombone, euphonium, vocals * John Kirchberger (Kirch) - tenor & soprano saxophones, flute, alto flute * Randy Tico - bass * John Harmon (Chief) - keyboard * Michael Murphy (Murph) - drums {{nbsp}} * Peter Butler (Herb) - Senior Sound Engineer * Doug Lautenschlager (Lauben) - Sound Engineer
== Discography == * ''Matrix IX'' (RCA - 1976) * ''Wizard'' (Warner Bros. - 1978, reissued on CD in 2009. Wounded Bird Records) * ''Tale of the Whale'' – Recorded in April 1979. Released 1979. Warner Brothers #BSK 3360. Spent 9 weeks on Billboard's Jazz LP chart in late 1979, peaking at #28 on 15 Sept. Reissued on CD July 2009. Wounded Bird Records #WOU 3360.<ref>{{cite web|title=Matrix Discography - Tale of the Whale|url=https://www.matrixjazz.com/tale-of-the-whale.html|accessdate=7 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tale of the Whale - Matrix / Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards / AllMusic|website=AllMusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/tale-of-the-whale-mw0000822976|accessdate=7 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Amazon.com/ Tale of the Whale/ Matrix/ Music|website=Amazon|url=https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Whale-Matrix/dp/B002A9MN4U/|accessdate=7 May 2013}}</ref> Tracks include: 1) The Fly, 2) Tale Of The Whale, 3) Homage, 4) Galadriel, 5) Nessim, and 6) Narouz. * ''Harvest'' (Pablo - 1979) * ''Proud Flesh'' (Summit - 2002)
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{official website|https://kurtdietrich.net/matrix-band/}}
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Category:American jazz fusion ensembles Category:Musical groups established in 1974 Category:Musical groups from Wisconsin Category:Summit Records artists Category:American jazz ensembles
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