Mat Muntz Quartet w/ Scott Amendola, Ben Goldberg, and Xavier Del Castillo

Described by the Guardian as “filled with a wild, distorted energy,” and by the Wire as “rare and rewarding,” the music of bassist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Mat Muntz imbues the volatile and the bizarre with an expressive, human immediacy. Mat has performed as a leader and sideman across North America, Europe, and China at venues like Carnegie Hall, The Stone, Blue Note Beijing, and Moers Festival (Germany). His music has been recognized by awards and commissions from The Shed (NYC), New York State Council for the Arts, and a nomination for a 2024 German Jazz Prize for his album Phantom Islands.
This new quartet featuring the Berkeley-based, world-class musicians Scott Amendola (drums/electronics) and Ben Goldberg (clarinet), plus Mat's longtime NYC collaborator Xavier Del Castillo (tenor sax), performs original music in the tradition of highly collaborative, semi-free small group improvisation pioneered by Charles Mingus and Ornette Coleman. Tentatively titled "Confusing the Audience," the band's forthcoming album traverses grungey ballads, deconstructed Bachian harmony, geometrically implausible bebop lines, and off-kilter (yet groovy) grooves.

Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Host or Publisher Sam Rudin