Jeffrey B. Matthews, MD is the Dallas B. Phemister Professor of Surgery and Chair of the University of Chicago Department of Surgery. Notably, he is *also* an incredible songwriter, killer guitarist, and creative producer. I met Jeff in the year 2000 when as a research resident I attended an academic surgery meeting (he was a senior surgeon in the group). Over the next 20+ years I’ve come to know him quite well. He has been very good to me as a mentor, both professionally and also importantly musically. Jeff is a unique and talented songwriter – he is an astute observer of the human condition and articulate commentator on contemporary sociopolitical events. When you listen to his music, you will laugh out loud at some of the rhymes and lyrics, which while psychoanalyzing current life may reference Shakespeare, T. S. Elliott, A Confederacy of Dunces and other literary pearls.
Jeff grew up outside of New York City and was heavily influenced by the 70s and 80s NYC music scene. He started playing acoustic guitar at a summer camp at age 10 or 11, teaching himself from a Crosby, Stills and Nash songbook. His experience working as a summer clerk in a New York record store and subsequently as a DJ in college helped develop an encyclopedic musical knowledge. Songwriting influences Todd Rundgren, the Ramones, Patti Smith, and the NYC punk rock scene colored his playing in rock bands through high school, college, and medical school.
Jeff accepted the Chair of Surgery at the University of Cincinnati, and there his curiosity led him to take music lessons focusing on theory and guitar technique. Around this time, he met rock ‘n roll musicians through music camps. These connections have led to long-term relationships with producer and drummer Mark Hudson[JM1] and engineer Mario McNulty with whom he has worked for 17 years[JM2] . Over the years, he has recorded songs in many famous spaces including Abby Road Studios in London, East/West and Capitol Studio “A” in Los Angeles, the Hit Factory, Electric Lady, and Sear Sound in New York City. He has assembled a crackerjack group of studio musicians to support these recording projects: Earl Slick (David Bowie, John Lennon), Steve Holley (Paul McCartney/Wings), and Paul Santo (Aerosmith).
Jeff enjoys music production almost as much as songwriting - he feels the studio is a place where he can translate musical ideas from his brain to audio recording. His music can’t be pigeonholed into any one genre – a core compliment to any musician. Considering his background, it’s not surprising to hear a healthy dose of in-your-face rock ‘n roll; however, the music also contains dashes of folk, funk, singer/songwriter, reggae and punk sensibility. His songs are defined by wry, articulate lyrics anchored by killer guitar hooks. The tones are colored by organ, judicious slide guitar, well placed and creative horn arrangements, and killer background vocals. The songs always take a twist in unexpected directions, making them fun to listen to over time. Jeff has been a great influence and inspiration for me - I know you will enjoy listening to his music!