“Absolutely gorgeous!”   –Dee Perry



At the crossroads of the Oberlin Conservatory is the Kohl Plaza, the space between the classical conservatory and the jazz building. It was in this space that deturtle, an ensemble combining jazz and classical music, could be conceived. In September 2012, guitarist Matt Gold brought together a jazz guitar trio and a classical string trio to play original compositions and arrangements. He aimed to create an unconventional, modern sound by merging two traditions of music. The goal was to create an ensemble not only fusing traditional sounds from the jazz world and the classical, but to go beyond that.



Coming from different sides of the proverbial musical fence challenged the group to find common ground. The musicians have formed new connections and learned skills from each other; working outside of their respective comfort zones, they have created more than just a mash up of classical and jazz players. They continue to be enthusiastic about this project because they are constantly developing and becoming better musicians through their interactions.



With their unique instrumentation and tight ensemble, deturtle is able to create an extensive range of textures that never fails to excite audiences. Playing nearly all original compositions and arrangements, the band experiments with different combinations of instruments to weave together two ensembles that could otherwise stand alone.



deturtle has worked to develop their sound under the tutelage of Jamey Haddad and Jay Ashby. The band has been invited to perform with such luminaries as Alon Yavnai, Leo Blanco, and Petros Klampanis, as well as with their spiritual leader and life coach Jamey. They have played in venues around Oberlin and the greater Cleveland area as well as on Dee Perry’s “Around Noon” on NPR.

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You can find recordings of deturtle at their soundcloud ​and keep up to date with them via their facebook.