weddings

Choosing the “perfect” musician for your wedding and/or reception may well be one of the most important decisions you’ll make! The weather may refuse to cooperate, or your choice of reception hall may suddenly feel “questionable”, yet it’s likely you and your guests will take little notice—provided the music is of exceptional quality!

To guarantee that happens, you’ll need to choose a musician you can feel comfortable with. Someone who enjoys their work, and has the ability to convey that sense of joy to your guests. Someone who recognizes that although the wedding ceremony and reception are certainly your “special moments”, they also represent a chance for your family and friends to celebrate and share in your happiness! So, naturally, the music should reflect the different ages, sensibilities, and character of your guests—along with the songs that you’d like played!

There are certainly very few individuals with credentials or sensibilities matching those of Matthew Fogg!

Matthew attended the University of New Hampshire, where he earned a degree in Music Education with an emphasis on piano (his concentration being on jazz and classical). He’s performed in University ensembles and had the opportunity to play with legendary jazz musicians like Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Bud Shank, and Jimmy Heath—to name a few! During his college years, Matthew began a musical collaboration with vocalist and fellow student Nicole Hajj, crafting all her vocal arrangements. As that musical partnership grew through the years, the pair performed at respected clubs and upscale venues restaurants throughout New England. They recently recorded a CD, “Live at the Azure Café”, which Matthew arranged and produced. The “buzz” surrounding that recording resulted in two television appearances on the WCSH/NBC news magazine show “207”, followed by a “live in the studio” concert hosted by Rich Tozier on his Maine Public Radio program “Friday Night Jazz”!

In addition to this ongoing collaboration, Matthew is an integral part of numerous (not to mention diverse!) musical ventures. He performs with the Bowdoin College Concert Choir (while also teaching jazz piano at the college), and is a member of the Scott Davis Jazz Quartet. He’s also one of the key players in a great “cover” band, Retrospecticus.

In terms of his “daylight” career, Matthew was hired as Director of Choral Music at Morse High School in Bath, Maine, shortly after his graduation from UNH. He spent several years there before assuming a position as Spiritual Arts Coordinator for the United Church of Christ in Bath. In that capacity he directed the choir, fostered music education throughout the congregation, organized an ongoing “coffeehouse”, and introduced Taize services to the community. In his “spare” time, he directs the Jewish Youth Chorus in South Portland!

It’s this unique background—combining a lifelong musical journey with a developing spiritual sensibility—that makes Matthew Fogg the perfect choice to perform at your wedding, reception, or special event.

Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to venture the opinion that when Matthew chose music as his vocation, stand-up comedy more than likely lost a very promising prospect!

Sample the musical selections on this site, feel free to request a CD demo, and don’t hesitate to call Matthew at 207.229.2738 with any questions or concerns!