Mathew deRiso - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin and Banjo---
Kurt Mullins - Fretless Bass, Electric Guitar ,
Influences
Currently: Darrel Scott, Guy Davis, Dave Moore, Bruce Springstein, Rodney Crowell and John Hiatt
Sounds Like
Mat's songs are funny, crusty, dirty glimpses into an America out beyond the strip malls. All writers hate to be categorized or compared, but in some ways Mat reminds me of a young Steve Earle, with a more powerful set of pipes. The subjects of his songs flash by like memories of a road trip, with recurring themes of faith, cynicism, and finding what love the world throws at us. One lyric describing a lover hit me, from the tune Midway Babylon: "The years they had not been too kind, but a ramblin' boy like me don't mind." Don't take my word for it, go and hear this guy! - Jim Pipkin HickoryWind.org "...He is a dramatic if dark songwriter, however, and we've said it before but no one puts a soap opera to song better than Mat D...There are songs on this album that will (or at least should if there is any justice in this world) become standards. Writing songs that can touch people's souls is no easy task and it is certainly no guarantee of commercial success but we raise our glass to Mat D " Editor - BluesBunny.com Glasgow UK
Folk Rising™ Music Productions, LLC (Folk Rising)'s 2008 Folk Album of the year is awarded to Mat D for his Merciful 66 album. Gary Kappenman, A&R for Folk Rising, stated "as I sit here listening to Mat’s Merciful 66 album for about the 20th time, I’m considering that reviewers of Mat’s first solo album, Gasoline Rattle, reminded them of a young Steve Earle. While I enjoy listening to Steve Earle’s work, I believe Mat’s new album goes significantly beyond Steve Earle’s work in both the striking imagery of his lyrics and the heartfelt soulfulness he brings to his vocals. If you like Steve Earle’s work, you’ll love Mat’s new Merciful 66 album!”
Emerging as a critically acclaimed songwriter and performer in the folk music scene, Mat d. has entertained Midwestern audiences with his gritty approach to old time country and acoustic blues to create a dark signature sound best described as hard luck Americana. His lyrical themes focus on life from the darker side of the tracks with a raw sense of wit combined with a faint if not tarnished silver lining. Jim Pipkin of HickoryWind.org writes "Mat reminds me of a young Steve Earle with a more powerful set of pipes...Mat's songs are funny, crusty, dirty glimpses into an America out beyond the strip malls. The subjects of his songs flash by like memories of a road trip, with recurring themes of faith, cynicism, and finding what love the world throws at us." Mat has won Folk Rising's album of the year two years in a row for 2007's "Gasoline Rattle" and more recently for 2008's "Merciful 66" Gary Kappenman- head of A&R for Folk Rising LLC stated "as I sit here listening to Mat’s Merciful 66 album for about the 20th time, I’m considering that reviewers of Mat’s first solo album, 'Gasoline Rattle', reminded them of a young Steve Earle. While I enjoy listening to Steve Earle’s work, I believe Mat’s new album goes significantly beyond Steve Earle’s work in both the striking imagery of his lyrics and the heartfelt soulfulness he brings to his vocals."
His music continues to turn the heads of audiences both young and old with his unmistakable voice and a modern, yet traditionally rooted songwriting style. Dark and compelling, somber and bittersweet, Mat's music not only haunts the soul - but inspires it. 2009 finds Mat recording music for 2 brand new CDs to be released before the end of the year.
Great show this weekend! Now I can see why you fired your last bass player- Kurt played bass too PRECISELY, and your new Bob guy plays bass a bit more raggedy the way I like it! You guys have tightened up AND rocked it up in one move....
hey thanks for finding me! i see you we have some mutual friends, the johnny b band and sarah donner. lovely choices! great sound, by the way, the guitar sounds awesome. keep on checkin' in and keep in touch. best,
Something wonderful will come from this. Something of great value is already taking shape.
In every disappointment, there are fertile seeds of accomplishment. In times of pain, there are opportunities arising for magnificent joy.
When you are making your way through the dark and lonely valley, keep going. Keep going and you'll soon reach the place where you begin to climb out and up toward the mountaintop.
Allow your difficulties the opportunity to give you strength. Let the tough times make the good times much more rewarding than they otherwise would have been.
Be truly thankful for each opportunity to more fully appreciate life's goodness. And be confident that the goodness is always there.
Know that something wonderful will come from this. And it will.
Hey Mat. Wanna share a gig in Des Moines? I might have something lined up and it would be great to have you with. However, it's a tuesday in Nov. What do you think? Hope all's well. That ends well. Chad
