Mat Andasun
Nottingham, England, United Kingdom | SELF
Music
Press
To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. Certainly not 3 funk-tight tracks rippling with Latino groove. The band has established itself in the UK amongst aficionados of world music. Nottingham Songs Pt1 suggests that the step into the mainstream appeal is but a short one. They must be blistering live.” - Plug Magazine
The percussionist, guitarist and singer Mat Andasun play a beguiling, highly polished blend of jazz-funk and Latin rhythms that is at times reminiscent of Steely Dan. - The Independent
This band is popular and quite rightly so. Accomplished and polished they produced a smooth set with varied rhythms featuring some really exciting playing.
Complex rhythms on the guitar, some really haunting fretless bass work (and the skeleton upright was pretty interesting too) all held together with immaculate drumming and percussion. THE QUARTET (for that's what the are - Mat, Dave, Jeff and Richard) played virtually non-stop for over an hour, all infectious foot tapping (no, probably more hip-swaying) stuff. Really good long grooves as I think they only fitted about seven numbers into that time frame. - Belper Music and Arts
Mat Andasun's a man who likes a Brazilian twist. For years he's been fascinated by the samba rhythm. It's brought him into contact with the likes of Bosco de Oliveira, a percussionist whose helped out everyone from Beth Orton and Sade to Elvis Costello.
Now he's blending the sounds of sun soaked South America with those closer to home.
Thanks to funding from the Arts Council he's teamed up again with Bosco and a group of local musicians to celebrate the heritage of Nottingham.
Mat Andasun in action
Mat Andasun gets the rhythm
Mat's written the first of a series of EPs (extended plays) about the city. The first one deals with modern day folk heroes including Frank Robinson aka Xylophone Man.
Mat's been talking to Nigel Bell about:-
The love of Brazilian music
Working with Bosco de Oliveira
Blending samba rhythms with Nottingham
Writing about Xylophone man
Other people featured on the EP
No Robin Hood
Future Nottingham EPs
- BBC Digital
"Music that takes you airborne. I was riveted by the band" - The Guardian
Discography
Monomania (1998) 3 track EP
1.Brave New World (featured on Daily Express Valentines CD cover mount CD)
2.Gloria
3.Now Is Not The Time
Nottingham Songs Part 1 (2005) 3 track EP
1.I Could Be Your Lover
2.Xylophone Man (played on BBC Introducing)
3.What You Are
Nottingham Songs Part 2 - In Production (Planned Release 2013)
1. Compay La Rosa
2. Empty Room
3. New England
Photos
Bio
The Guardian described Mat's music as "Music that takes you airborne. I was riveted by the band" ... and The Independent rated my band as one of the "Five Best Gigs" of the week, calling the Mat Andasun band "beguiling" and "at times reminiscent of Steely Dan". BBC Introducing called the song 'Xylophone Man' "wonderful" and "mesmerising".
Mat creates English songs poured into Latin grooves, spiced with flavours that seduce surge and pound and served up with a spicy salsa of meaningful lyrics, memorable melodies and irresistible, dramatic rhythms.
Mat makes this kind of music because of his roots in prog rock (drumming with Pendragon) and his love of samba (as co-founder of Sambawamba he's taught samba and Carnival arts to many thousands of people across the UK & Europe).
Having featured Andy Sheppard, Steve Lodder & Bosco D'Oliveira in past line ups, Mats band currently comprises Dave Sturt on bass (Gong, Steve Hillage, Bill Nelson, Jade Warrior and Dave Gilmour) Robin Bedford on drums, percussionist Tony Sykes (Melindy/Deli) and Nick Daines on keyboards.
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