Matrix -

Matrix was an American jazz-rock quintet from Milwaukee that recorded a 1973 album issued in 1975 by local-press Pro-Gress Records as Matrix (Stimulus for the Auditory Nerve). Guitarist Jack Grassel led the lineup with bassist David Philips, reedist Dave Shostac, keyboardist Dennis Klopfer, and drummer Andy LoDuca.

The Milwaukee Matrix bore no connection to the Appleton horn ensemble behind four national albums and the Summit release Proud Flesh: A Matrix Reunion.

Members: Jack Grassel (guitar, ring modulator), David Philips (acoustic and electric bass), Dave Shostac (saxophones, flutes, vocals), Dennis Klopfer (piano, synthesizer), Andy LoDuca (drums, synthesizer, effects)

Background

Matrix formed in Milwaukee around guitarist Jack Grassel before a 1973 studio project. Grassel began piano lessons at age three, entered paid performance work at six, and played bass in Ron & the Continentals as a teenager.

He shifted from rock bass to upright bass and jazz guitar at University of Wisconsin–Waukesha, then entered the jazz program at Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. At the Conservatory, a 1970 faculty concert prompted Grassel to compose his first piece.

The Matrix recording lineup paired Grassel with Philips, Shostac, Klopfer, and LoDuca at Studio East in Milwaukee. Shostac also worked in Frank Zappa’s 1975 orchestral ensemble, while LoDuca maintained Milwaukee jazz ties through pianist Buddy Montgomery.

Matrix (Stimulus for the Auditory Nerve)

Matrix released their singular album, Matrix (Stimulus for the Auditory Nerve), in 1975 on Pro-Gress Records.

Stimulus contains nine Matrix group or-written originals enhanced with ring modulation, synthesizers, and effects by Grassel, Klopfer, and LoDuca.

“Morning Peace” interlaces fugue-like counterpoint among organ, flute, and electric guitar while cymbal swells rise behind converging lines.

A1. “September First” (4:32)
A2. “Morning Peace” (2:11)
A3. “Santa Claus Is Coming” (3:58)
A4. “99 Quarter Notes” (1:03)
A5. “Count to Seven and Boogie” (9:17)

B1. “Fresh Linens” (4:59)
B2. “November 20th” (5:41)
B3. “Jungle Rot” (3:06)
B4. “Barebottom” (7:00)

Sessions occurred in 1973 at Studio East in Milwaukee. Pro-Gress circulated generic-sleeve advance reviewer copies and a commercial pressing with the parenthetical Stimulus for the Auditory Nerve subtitle and cover artwork.

Grassel reissued the album on CD in 2003 through Frozen Sky Records and placed the nine-track program on digital services.

Later Activity

Grassel remained in Milwaukee as a performer, composer, educator, and recording artist. He released Magic Cereal in 1986, established Frozen Sky Records, devised the Music Occupations program at Milwaukee Area Technical College, and recorded with organist Melvin Rhyne.

LoDuca continued in Milwaukee jazz with pianist Buddy Montgomery and clarinetist Chuck Hedges. He later reunited with Grassel on the Melvin Rhyne album Tracks.

Discography: