Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Matt Penman moved to the United States in 1994 to study at Boston's Berklee College of Music. The following year, he moved to New York, where his professional career began in earnest. Very much in demand as an accompanying musician, he served alongside John Scofield and Joe Lovano and collaborated with several top jazz cats, from Kenny Werner to Nicholas Payton and Dave Douglas. At the end of the 2000s, the bass player joined the SF Jazz Collective. With saxophonist Joshua Redman, pianist Aaron Parks, and drummer Eric Harland, he formed Jazz Farm in 2009. The quartet released their first album two years later. On top of his numerous stage and studio endeavours, Penman also dedicates his time to teaching.