Heart Matters

Vocalist Amy D and vibraphonist Dillon Vado share a kinship built on trust, synergy, and the honoring of authentic expression in their new collaborative project Herat Matters. With a unique ensemble of voice, vibraphone, bass and drums, the music is both virtuosic and uplifting.

Their original, innovative sounds combine the intentionality of chamber music with the grounded yet agile nature of Brazilian rhythm, the spontaneity of jazz improvisation, and soulstirring lyrics. Listeners do more than listen: they reflect and transform.

San Jose natives now residing in Oakland, both Amy D and Dillon Vado have been significant contributors to the San Francisco Bay Area scene for over a decade. The joining together of their broad range of musical influences and desire to deepen community connection has resulted in a unique, living work of art.

The lyrical depth of Heart Matter speaks to fans of Joni Mitchell and Becca Stevens, while the virtuosic arranging and execution echoes Steely Dan, Esperanza Spalding, and The Bad Plus. More than anything, Heart Matter seeks to share transformative music with those who need to hear it, offering a remedy for the trance of modern life and a sacred space to feel it all.

“Drummer and vibraphonist Dillon Vado and vocalist Amy D have forged a songwriting partnership and launched a quartet with a singularly spacious sound.” - Andrew Gilbert, The Oaklandside

Host or Publisher Bay Area Jazz & Arts, Inc