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Matt Eakle got his start on the flute in the Roosevelt Junior High School Band in Richmond, California, where he grew up. He took flute lessons from a teacher who listed among his favorite musicians Bela Bartok and Jimi Hendrix. He studied classical flute off and on for 10 years, but instead of seeking a career in the symphony, Matt chose to pursue his eclectic musical tastes with his flute. That included everything from playing for tips on the sidewalk in front of Ghirardelli Square to forming a jazz ensemble with the great guitarist Davis Ramey, Eakle's jazz mentor.
Eakle is one of the most accomplished performers on his instrument. Over the course of his career, he has demonstrated a mastery of an incredible array of styles, brilliantly performing classical, jazz, Latin and Asian masterworks. Since 1989 he has toured internationally with the David Grisman Quintet. He has been a featured flutist in Linda Rondstadt’s Fiesta Mexicana, and has performed and recorded with famed musicians in the jazz, folk, and rock worlds, including Arlo Guthrie, Jerry Garcia, and Stephane Grappelli. Eakle’s technical virtuosity and proven ability to perform virtually any style combine to make him one of the most sought after performing and recording artists. Eakle’s CD releases include a recording benefiting the Headwaters Forest in Northern California, and "Flute Jazz". "It's my first feature album doing exactly what I want to be doing," said Eakle. Flute Jazz is a collection of Eakle's original compositions and jazz standards featuring Davis Ramey, who has been Eakle's musical partner and teacher for the past 15 years, and Harvie Swartz, the fine bassist (Andy Statman Quartet, Stan Getz and others).
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