Piano and Vocal Jazz Duo: Matt Dorland & Susan LaVelle

Piano and vocal jazz duo, Matt Dorland & Susan LaVelle, share originals drawn from jazz, Latin, blues, and pop, and standards from the Great American Songbook.

Videos:

“This Old House”: Our 2023 Tiny Desk Contest Entry

“This Old House” Written and performed by Matt Dorland & Susan LaVelle

So, this is our third entry into the Tiny Desk contest! And, basically, the rules for entering the Tiny Desk Contest are that the song needs to be an original song by US writers/performers. Also, the video must contain a desk of some kind. “This Old House” is blues, plain and simple, with impassioned vocals and the terrific piano you expect from this vocal and piano jazz duo.

“Silence”: Our 2021 Tiny Desk Entry, piano and vocals

Piano and Vocal Jazz Duo, Just a Touch of Jazz, Matt Dorland & Susan LaVelle

The song and video for the song “Silence” came about after seeing the shocking video of George Floyd’s murder. In fact, the only reason this terrible deed came to light was because witnesses recorded cell phone video to share on social media. These witnesses broke the silence. Correspondingly, the title word, “Silence,” stands in contrast to action. Thus, “Silence” is indifference, apathy, detachment, dispassion. Therefore, the song expresses a call to “find a voice, not silence.” Matt and Susan encourage you to listen and share this song!

This video footage for the song was taken by Susan as she walked 38th St. toward Chicago Avenue. With her phone, she captured all the chalk drawings, art, messages, and memorials to George Floyd that existed in December of 2019.

Also, click for the piano and vocal performance of our 2022 Tiny Desk video for our original song, “Music Brings Us Closer”

Check out the “Music” page for more Just a Touch of Jazz. You’ll find clips and videos of Matt Dorland & Susan LaVelle’s piano and vocal jazz originals. Even more performances by the duo are found on the YouTube page @JustaTouchofJazz. Keep scrolling to find links to our social media.