“The Professor” Mathew Jeremy Smith
Bass / Vocal
Born in 1977, Matthew was sheltered musically and secularly for much of his childhood. Originally trained on the piano and brass instruments, he was an exceptional tuba player. Slated for a full scholarship to Murray for tuba was his path, but industrial labor would become a necessity to take care of Matthew’s quickly arriving children. Influences on the bass were Victor Wooten, Flea, and Donald Duck Dunn.
Originally a rock player, Matthew played in bands such as Altered Faith, a short stint in Bears in America, and currently plays with two alternative bands, Jettison the Pilot and gypsyLifter. He has collaborated with Wilburs on the song Regress and released 5 (currently) songs as a founding member of the Cameron Tabor Band, which opened for Dylan Scott, Jericho Wood, and Grand Funk Railroad.
A country bassist who has no country influences, Matthew relies more on Broadway musicals, concert band arrangements, alt-rock, and Golden Oldies to provide a cornerstone for Yellow Banks. As a performer, Pearl Jam, RHCP, and One Armed Scissor have inspired Matthew to climb speakers, jump from tables, and contribute to creating energy on stage. The nickname “Professor” refers to the way he studies song structure for bands, writes poetry, and his once collegiate path. Plus a few other things…
