Mosaic is an ensemble/collective dedicated to forging an original voice in jazz, directed by Matt Belzer of UMBC's Department of Music. Together they perform an eclectic range of styles to create a music that's unique and experimental yet remains accessible. Expanding on the traditions of post Bop, Afro-Cuba, electric Jazz and the avant-garde, their rhythmic and harmonic approach is deep and diverse. Whether playing their own works, or those of the great composers of Jazz, they aim to provide a music for the body and the mind. With an instrumentation of keyboards, bass, drum set, and a wide array of woodwind instruments and percussion, Mosaic hopes to put their own stamp on the American legacy known as Jazz.
Multi-instrumentalist/composer Matt Belzer has a diverse musical life. He is a member of the improvisational drum and saxophone duo Tiemann-Belzer, the avant-latin group Mosaic, and the classic jazz group The Peabody Ragtime Ensemble. He is also a very active freelance musician, performing on flutes, clarinets, saxophones and theremin. His works are published on Advance Music and UNC Jazz Press. He has been honored by Downbeat magazine, the Jazz Composers Alliance and the Maryland State Arts Council. He is also listed in Who’s Who in America for his artistic achievements. Mr. Belzer directs the large Jazz Ensemble and various small groups, teaches the jazz courses and saxophone lessons, and advises jazz students in their projects.