Matt Dwonszyk is an accomplished bassist, composer, arranger and educator from Rocky Hill, CT. He graduated from the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz studying under his mentor and world-renowned bassist, Nat Reeves and then went on to receive his Masters degree from SUNY Purchase College. After living in New York City for 5 years, Dwonszyk returned back home to Connecticut during the 2020 pandemic. In 2023, Dwonszyk moved back to Astoria, NY and performs frequently throughout New England, splitting his time between performing and teaching.
Throughout his career, Dwonszyk has performed and recorded with numerous contemporaries as well as legendary jazz artists including Steve Davis, Bennie Wallace, Harold Mabern, Larry Willis, George Cables, Dr. Eddie Henderson, Jazzmeia Horn, Joey Alexander among many others. He currently plays bass with Jonathan Barber and Vision Ahead, The Jon Davis Trio, Sarah Hanahan Quartet and the Julieta Eugenio Trio. With the Julieta Eugenio Trio, Dwonszyk won the 2022 DC JazzPrix Competition at the Washington, DC Jazz Festival.
June of 2024, Dwonszyk toured through Europe with Jonathan Barber and Vision Ahead performing in Paris France, Muri Switzerland and at London’s illustrious jazz club, Ronnie Scotts. His last tour was through Mexico with the Joe Farnsworth Quartet featuring Emmet Cohen and Sarah Hanahan. He frequently performs at some of the top jazz clubs in New York City including Smalls Jazz Club, Mezzrow, Ornithology, Dizzy's Coca Cola Club, Smoke and The Blue Note.
Since 2019, Dwonszyk has been a faculty member of Manchester Community College and Central Connecticut State College teaching jazz bass and jazz history. He also teaches at the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz located at University of Hartford. In the summer, he teaches at Bennie Wallace’s Back Country Jazz Program and Litchfield Jazz Camp.
Dwonszyk's debut recording, "Wonderful World", was released May of 2019 featuring world-class trombonist Steve Davis. His second album, "A Year and a Day", was released July 1st, 2022 featuring Dwonszyk’s band, the Dwonztet.
In 2023, the Dwonztet performed at the Hartford Baby Grand Jazz Series, The Northampton Jazz Strut, Smalls Jazz Club, The Side Door Jazz Club and the Poli Club. In 2024, the Dwonztet performed at the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, Hartford Jazz Festival and the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival.
"Donny Time: The Music of Don DePalma"
Releases SEPTEMBER 27th, 2024 on TRRC Label
New Videos
"Donny Time" is a tribute album shinning light on the legendary Hartford, CT pianist Don DePalma. The album consists of short experts of Don playing from a 2010 live concert as well as a tribute recording made after his passing. The music on the album showcases Don’s original compositions and arrangements Don would perform during his illustrious career.
The musicians on the album have all performed frequently with Don over the years. The world-renowned trombonist Steve Davis, legendary vocalist Linda Ransom and saxophone extraordinaire Kris Jensen all grace “Donny Time”.
There are also a handful of young lions featured on this album including drummer Jonathan Barber, trumpet player Joshua Bruneua and guitarist Tony Davis, all of whom were mentored by Don.
“Donny Time” wouldn’t have been able to happen without the producers of the album, trombonist Rosie Roy and bassist Matt Dwonszyk.
All of the proceeds of “Donny Time” go to a scholarship (the DePalma Roy Scholarship) set up in Don’s memory which is awarded annually to a high school music student attending Music College. To make a donation or to learn more about the scholarship visit: https://www.thedepalmaroyscholarship.com/
Ghazi Omair & Matt Dwonszyk
Studio Recording
Latest Dwonztet Recording
Matt Dwonszyk "A Year and A Day"
Release Date: July 1st, 2022
Label: Dwonz
Shenel Johns- Vocals
Ghazi Omair- Spoken Word
Andrew Renfroe- Guitar
Kris Allen- Saxophone
Taber Gable- Fender Rhodes
Jonathan Barber- Drums
Matt Dwonszyk- Bass
Upcoming Performances
12/04/2024 7-10p.m/Tony Davis Duo/Spes/New York, NY
12/05/2024 6:30p.m/Jose Bevia Trio/Brown Student Center/College of New Jersey
12/06/2024 6p.m/Martin Obeng World Music Ensemble/Brown University/ Newport, RI
12/07/2024 9:30p.m/Matt DeChamplain Quintet/ Manchester Jazz Festival/ Manchester, CT
12/08/2024 7-11p.m/Tony Davis/Cellar Dog/ New York, CT
12/10/2024 10:30p.m/Jovan Alexandre Trio/Smalls/New York, NY
12/11/2024 7:30p.m/Sarah Hanahan Quartet/Zinc Bar/New York, NY
12/12-15/2024 -Sarah Hanahan Live at the Black Cat/ San Francisco, California
Tickets on Black Cat Website
12/17/2024-7:30p.m/ Rich Goldstein Quartet/ Carmine's/ East Hartford, CT
Live At the Side Door
Live At the Artist Collective