Matana Roberts

Experimental Jazz Musician and Sound Artist

Matana Roberts is an American avant-garde jazz saxophonist, composer, and mixed-media practitioner. She is known for her innovative work in the field of experimental music and for her ability to blend a variety of genres and artistic disciplines. Roberts has gained critical acclaim for her ambitious multi-chapter project "Coin Coin," which explores themes of history, memory, and ancestry. The project is a planned series of albums that delve into the African-American experience, combining narrative storytelling with improvisation, traditional song forms, and a wide range of musical influences. Each chapter of "Coin Coin" has been distinct in its approach and ensemble configuration, showcasing Roberts' versatility as a composer and bandleader. Her work has been recognized for its depth and conceptual rigor, contributing to contemporary discussions on race, identity, and the legacy of slavery in America through the medium of sound.