Matteo Prefumo

Born: April 8, 1991

Matteo Prefumo is an Italian jazz guitarist and composer from Genoa, born on April 8, 1991. Guided by his father’s enthusiasm, he started playing guitar at age three and quickly mastered riffs by icons like Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, and Jimi Hendrix. By fifteen, he was studying jazz formally under Alessio Menconi, then expanding his craft through lessons with world-class musicians Kurt Rosenwinkel, Antonio Sanchez, and Peter Bernstein.

Matteo’s breakthrough came in 2012, when he secured the Tiberio Nicola Award for Best Jazz Guitarist at the International Jazz Festival of La Spezia, followed by the 2013 Jimmy Woode Award at the Tuscia in Jazz Festival. Known for leading dynamic trios and quartets, he has graced famed stages—from Ronnie Scott’s in London to Mezzrow in New York City and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival—alongside celebrated artists  Seamus Blake, Jeff Berlin, Leo Genovese, and Dado Moroni, tony Monaco, George Garzone among others.

In 2022, Matteo unveiled A New Beginning, a critically praised album that spotlights his innovative sound, virtuosic technique, and sophisticated compositions. His career took yet another leap in 2024 when he joined legendary vibraphonist Joe Locke’s ensemble—alongside Jim Ridl, Lorin Cohen, and Vladimir Kostadinovic—further cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary jazz.

Awards

Best Jazz Guitarist at Tiberio Nicola Award 2012

Best Jazz Guitarist at Jimmy Woode Award 2013

Best Composition at 2025 ISJAC Rule Beasley Prize In Jazz Leadsheet Composition with "The Way It Is!"

Gear

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