This episode is a bit of a change in format and focuses on a single artist, Matthew Rotker-Lynn. A Milwaukee native and former student of Don Linke’s, Matthew is an up-and-coming guitarist who moved to New York, which Linke has proclaimed to be “the best environment on earth for jazz music.” There, he received his bachelor’s degree for jazz performance at The City College of New York.

Matthew joins the Jazz at Noon Podcast to share his experiences in the “city that never sleeps” as a guitarist prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains the opportunity that this time off from live performances has given him and discusses much more as he reconnects with his former instructor.

Songs featured in this week’s episode include two selections Matthew lends his guitar skills to as well as a solo recording from the young guitar virtuoso.

Songs:

Isfahan - Duke Ellington - A solo performance from Matthew Rotker-Lynn, this jazz piece was released on Duke Ellington’s 1967 album, The Far East Suite. Its name reflects a city in Iran, which Ellington and his orchestra traveled to a few years’ prior in 1963.

I’ve Never Been In Love Before - Frank Loesser - This jazz standard was written by Loesser in 1950 and appeared in the musical, Guys and Dolls. The Jazz at Noon recording features Rotker-Lynn on guitar, with Victor Campbell on the drums and Don Linke on bass. It was originally performed live by the trio on August 14, 2019 at Catalano Square Park in Milwaukee’s Third Ward.

Voyage - Kenny Barron - A tune that can be heard on Barron’s 1986 record What If? Also performed on August 14, 2019 at Catalano Square Park, Victor Campbell plays the drums with Don Linke on bass and you guessed it, Matthew Rotker-Lynn on guitar.

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