The Part-time Rivals
Los Angeles based pianist Matt Politano has gained recognition as a well-respected musician in today’s jazz scene. A highly sought after performer and studio musician, Matt has worked with many artists including Benny Green, John Clayton, Chris Potter, Walter Smith III, Jane Monheit, Sara Gazarek, Scott Weiland, Tom Scott, Bob Brookmeyer, Carol Kay, Kathleen Grace, Perry Smith, Kevin Kanner, Tom “Bones” Malone, Sam Minaie, Hamilton Price, Nate Wood, Robby Marshall, Peter Gallagher, and Clayton Cameron.
Matt attended the University of North Texas where he played trumpet in the prestigious One O’clock Lab band. Wanting to focus more on piano, he transferred to the Manhattan School of Music where he studied under pianist Garry Dial and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Piano.
In addition to his performing schedule, Matt is on faculty at Mt. San Antonio College, teaching jazz piano and combos, and maintains his own private studio.
Courtney Gasque Politano grew up on a horse farm in Vermont, a far cry from the fast pace of Los Angeles. She comes from a musical family so when they weren’t riding, someone was always practicing. Courtney received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in French Horn from Indiana University, and her Master’s degree in Jazz Studies with a concentration in Vocal Jazz from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach where she sang in the award winning vocal jazz group Pacific Standard Time, under the direction of Christine Guter.
Courtney teaches preschool-middle school music and performs with her folk trio, Honey Whiskey Trio, as well as Vox Femina of Los Angeles. As a composer and arranger, Courtney focuses primarily on vocal music, in the folk & bluegrass tradition. She arranges and writes for Honey Whiskey Trio, and various college, community, and professional ensembles.