Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of the very talented Israeli composer and flutist, Mattan Klein, for the release of his quartet album, The Long Run, on 14th January 2022.

Mattan was born and raised in Jerusalem. He studied at the Rubin Academy in Jerusalem and had graduated with honours from the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is the winner of the 1st prize in the 2018 international ‘7 Virtual Jazz Club Web Community Award’. His original compositions have also earned awards such as the John Lennon Song Writing Contest and the USA Song Writing Competition. 

Mattan received scholarships from the AICF, The Municipality of Jerusalem and the Israeli Ministry of Culture.  He is also the Recipient of the ACUM Scholarships for emerging artists (the Israeli Agency for Composers and Musicians).

Mattan performed on various international stages, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington, NJPAC, and more. He has recorded for a number of record labels, including SONY and Helicon Records.

In 2016, Mattan was a featured soloist with the United Kingdom Jazz Flute Big Band and his music and arrangements were performed at the London Jazz Festival 2016. Mattan's Quintet headlined the Tel Aviv International Jazz Festival in 2017 and featured vocalist Tammy Scheffer. Mattan performed at the London Jazz Festival, The Philadelphia International Jazz Festival, Chicago Israeli Jazz Festival, Jazz Education Network Conferences in New Orleans 2017 and 2020, Albania Jazz Festival 2019, Tel Aviv Jazz Festival on numerous occasions, and at the Israel Festival in Jerusalem, collaborating with international virtuosos such as Nicola Stilo, Mirko Signorile and Rodrigo Ursaia. His Quartet will be featured at the Red Sea Jazz Festival in November 2021.

The Long Run, Mattan’s latest project, features several his regular musicians, including Toki Stern (Rhodes), Yoni Ben Ari (bass) and Joca Perpignan (percussion), with special guest Nitzan Bar (guitar). Mattan’s music has been described by Yossi Harsonsky, Senior Music critic at Maariv, as, “flowing, bright and listener friendly…his flute sound is clear, crispy and melodic, and the Israeli-Brazilian mix is the ultimate contemporary jazz sound, spiced with warm, unique flute sounds…Klein's virtuoso improvisation lifts Jazz-flute playing to new heights."

Describing his music and the new relationship with Ubuntu Music, Mattan shares his views: “Music is the ultimate means of connecting between souls. Words can only go so far, but music waves have the power to unite and bring a real change. When I realised how close I felt to Ubuntu’s motto I also noticed how accurately I was trying to live my life and create my music in accordance to this special word. Becoming a part of the Ubuntu Music Family is a most natural way for me to close a circle, to deliver this message of unity and equality with the right team of incredible thinkers and dreamers.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, shares his thoughts: “It was an honour and exceedingly pleasant surprise to be introduced to Mattan and his multi-cultural blend of flute-led jazz music which feeds the head and the heart with something very special. We are so happy that Mattan has joined the Ubuntu family.”