Matthew Stevens played The Jazz Gallery

In support of his great new self-titled record, guitarist Matthew Stevens played an intimate set at Manhattan's Jazz Gallery.

"I know you're here while the Knicks are playing" Matthew Stevens said during his second set on Friday night, the later start time was after tip-off and for anyone traveling through New York City at the moment, you'll notice that the NBA Championship has a chokehold over the city. Not that you'd necessarily expect a huge crossover between jazz enthusiasts and sports fans, but the crowd was a bit slim, however that only added to the intimacy of the evening as Stevens led a group through some stellar grooves that soared with power, a sense of elasticity adding to the already lush tones and allowing the band to really explore their dynamic sound. Joined by Rich Hinman on steel guitar, the two traded licks for some really fantastic moments and while Stevens was the clear star, his expanding solos giving the night some truly profound moments as he unloaded incredible dexterity which took the songs to stunning heights.  It was an unassuming set, but one that packed a punch allowing for, at times, psychedelic guitar licks to incorporate themselves into mighty jazz grooves that made for something that ranged from the efforts of a Tortoise gig to something that felt like Pink Floyd-inspired guitar solos. When Simon Moullier joined the band a few songs into the set on vibraphone, the mood swung with a newfound cool and the added melodies brought enriching textures. Covering "Who Does She Hope To Be" by Sonny Sharrock is one of the highlights on the new album and hearing the live rendition from this ensemble was emphatic and full of life. Passing their solos from one to another, the group lit up the room with their exploratory and reverent jams, each one sparking remarkable swings of brilliant rhythms and undeniable flows. Closing the night with a moving take on the traditional song "Alberta," the majority of the group left the stage, leaving Stevens alone with Hinman and the two made this duet a stupendous finish to the night. Floating with a supreme elegance, the version on the LP features angelic vocals from Anna B Savage, so hearing it in such stripped down fashion, the instrumental version hit with a quiet power that left the room reeling in emotion. For such a reserved evening, the band let their talents shine with the utmost care, never overextending a moment or stretching beyond enjoyment, they were all firmly in the pocket for the entirety of the set and Stevens made sure to lead them in triumphant form.