Album Is Co-Produced By Josh Johnson And Eric Doob, Eponymous Album Is A Culmination Of 20 Years Of Craft, Signaling A Bold New Chapter For One Of Jazz’s Most Essential Voices And Respected Players. Stevens Steps Into The Spotlight And Taps Multigenerational Musicians Terri Lyne Carrington, Jeff Parker, Anna B Savage, Joel Ross, Corey King, And More For Forthcoming Album Of Genre-Blurring Originals And Deeply Personal Covers.
Today, GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist and producer Matthew Stevens released the soulful new single “Who Does She Hope To Be?” and announced his forthcoming self-titled album, Matthew Stevens, which is slated for release on May 8 via Candid Records.
Pre-order the album and listen to the first single HERE.
The new track, “Who Does She Hope To Be?,” is Stevens’ veritable, drifting take on Sonny Sharrock’s 1991 original, and features eclectic jazz guitarist Jeff Parker and label mate, drummer Terri Lyne Carrington (Stevens recently collaborated with Carrington on her GRAMMY-nominated album We Insist! 2025). Stevens used to play this song with ERIMAJ, the band led by Jamire Williams, which is how he discovered Sonny Sharrock’s Ask the Ages. “I immediately connected with the songs, the playing, and Bill Laswell’s production,” shares Matthew Stevens. “There’s something about this piece that always helps me find myself quickly when I play it, and I’d been excited for a long time to eventually record it.”
Expanding on the making of his introspective cover, Stevens continues, “On the original, Sonny layers a lot of guitars, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to have Jeff join me. I’ve always admired the breadth of his musicianship — how he brings together so many guitar and musical traditions in a way that feels completely honest and singular. Terri Lyne’s playing on this track is just as special to me. I often tell her that so few people play in a way that feels so directly connected to the originators of this music.”
“‘Ask The Ages’ by Sonny Sharrock is an album that has been very important to me because of its open conception and gripping compositions,” echoes guitarist Jeff Parker. “Naturally, when Matt asked me to join him on a cover version of “Who Does She Hope To Be?”, I jumped at the chance. Thanks to all involved for your beautiful contributions, it was an honor!”
Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington adds, “Music is energy, which can be healing and can change the world positively. “Who Does She Hope To Be?” soothes the soul and reminds us of the importance of hope. It was a thrill to play with these two guitar titans. So grateful to Matthew Stevens for making this exciting collaboration come to fruition!”