Whether you’re seeking background ambiance or a focal point for your event, Matthew’s jazz performances are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Matthew’s versatility and virtuosity not only proves that jazz belongs on the ukulele, but that it can be wildly entertaining and effective too! Matthew will lead you on an adventure in his latest project, ‘Swing Explorer’, through ukulele swing, Bebop, Latin, Dixieland and even fusion, perfectly balancing sung and instrumental renditions of all-time favourites and inventive originals.
He can be be found with his band at various jazz clubs, such as opening for jazz vocalist Anita Wardell at Chichester Jazz Club and featuring at the Concorde Club, Eastleigh, as well as solo accompanying various functions and bars across the south of England.
Tunes…
- Fly Me to the Moon
- It’s Only a Paper Moon
- Five Foot Two
- Honeysuckle Rose
- Ain’t Misbehavin’
- Ritz Cracker
- Del Sasser
- How High the Moon
- What a Wonderful World
- In The Mood
- Del Sasser
- Hanky Panky
- Swingin’ at the Savoy
- Hello Dolly
- Take the A Train
- There Will Never Be Another You
- St James Infirmary
- That’s a Plenty
- Autumn Leaves
- Stompin’ at the Savoy
- Is it True What they Say About Dixie?
- On the Sunny Side of the Street
- I Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of this Jelly Roll
- Monster’s Inc.
- Rhythmic Activation
- Doxy
- All of Me
- Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
- Girl From Ipanema
- Summertime
- Cheek to Cheek
- Pennies from Heaven
- Anything Goes
- Happy Talk
- Stardust
- Chattanooga Choo Choo
- Bill Bailey
- Ritz Cracker
- Stardust
…and more!
“AN ABSOLUTELY PERFECT ADDITION TO OUR MEAL”
Diner at the Merlin, Derby, 2019
Soloist
Intimate instrumental and vocal arrangements of popular swing classics, performed on just a ukulele. Perfect for intimate jazz clubs or background music at galleries and cocktail hours.
BAND
Matthew’s lively jazz group performing catchy jazz originals and fresh covers of popular standards, exploring the toe-tapping worlds of Latin and Bebop Jazz. (ukulele/vocals, sax, keys, bass, drums). Various combinations available to suit budget and space.
Similar ACts…
SaxandUke
Exciting new saxophone and ukulele duo act, bringing their joyful and relaxing live acoustic lounge set to bars, wedding and anniversary receptions, theatre foyers and concerts. Featuring the marvellous Hannah Spires on saxophone.
Ragtime Rascals
Matthew’s famous trad. jazz band, capturing the unforgettable sound of the earliest jazz with hand-picked performers at his disposal. Various combinations available to suit budget and space.
“The future of the ukulele”
Giovanni Albini, Professor of Ukulele, Conservatorio Antonio Vivaldi, Italy, 2022
“One day soon, you’ll be up there with the greats of the ukulele”
Peter Moss, international professional ukulele player, 2021
“You’re going to be the top guy”
Aaron Crowell, Hawaii Music School, 2020
“one of the most hard working, adaptive, versitile and complete ukulele players on the scene“
Samantha Muir, ukulele PhD doctorate, 2023
A fresh new talent on the ukulele, already making a huge impression.
Sometime in mid-2011, a young boy picked up his first ukulele, quickly becoming fascinated with the instrument. 12 years later and Matthew Quilliam became the first person to use the ukulele for an entire music degree, graduating in 2023 with first class honours.
Thanks to his life-long connection and expertise with the instrument, he has developed a wide skill set and a popular range of shows, whilst showing no signs of slowing down.
Versatility is in abundance when it comes to Matthew’s capabilities. With his boundless energy and his trademark smile, Matthew is sure to leave any audience wanting more.
Based in southern UK, his travels have brought him to appear at Grand Northern, Bracklesham, Isle of Wight, Yeovil and Shrewkfest Ukulele Festivals, Chichester Jazz Club, Concorde Club Eastleigh, Princess Hall Aldershot, Oktoberfest Swindon, Didcot Railway Centre, Weyfest, Abbey Road Studios & internationally in Italy, France, Germany and Poland.
On top of that, he has composed for a handful of albums and films, educational and examined ukulele material for ABRSM, the London College of Music and the London Ukulele Project, as well as written live pit band music for Chichester Festival Theatre.
Matthew Quilliam 