Music
Press
"Creating songs out of sheer passion and respect for the Almighty, Monk's constant meditation on Jah has lead him to build a strong foundation for his musical career."
"...songs and rhythms that tap deep into the conscious roots arena." - Ujama News
The guitarist/flutist/singer has established himself as a musical force by working with reggae legends Culture, Yellow Man, and Junior Marvin (of Bob Marley and the Wailers). - Boulder Weekly
"Led by guitarist/flautist/vocalist Mateo, 2002's Boulder Folk and Rock Awards winner Natural Kingdom blends reggae and soul with layers of rhythm honed with a hip-hop edge."
"...a talented frontman..."
"...they compromise one of the tightest up-and-comers in the Boulder scene." - Boulder Weekly
"...the newest and freshest sound to come out of Boulder, Colorado..."
"The album features a star-studded collection of musicians backing Mateo, including Georges Kouakou, Junior Marvin, Ricky "Swan" Richardson and more."
"Filled with quality grooves and polished sounds."
"The quality of his talent and dedication of his faith is proven in the song 'Guidance and Protection', as he performs a beautiful flute solo and delivers powerful words with the stellar musical backing. The album as a whole is a refreshing sound, with a great message, and is worthy of any CD collection." - Ujama News
Ruled by the strong Jyemo/Sweetwine rhythm section, Brown's tasty taps on keys, and Mateo's multi-instrumental talent and straightforward stage presence, the band kicks out songs crafted with one eye on tradition and the other on originality. - Boulder Weekly
Discography
Mateo has received international and domestic airplay on several projects that he has contributed to:
*Mateo Monk, Guidance and Protection (lead vocals, flute, guitar, songwriting)
*Rising Sun Reggae Band, Beware (guitar and flute)
*Serge Kassy, Au nom de dieu (rhythm and lead guitar)
*Crazy B, Yom I Mane (guitar and production of intro/segway)
*Peter Humphrey & Oasis Band, Oasis Style (flute)
*S.T.O.R.M, Eye of the Storm (guitar and flute)
*Shasha Marley, Lost and Found (guitar and flute)
*Jason Valakis, Untitled (production, all instrumentation)
Photos
Bio
Mateo took up the guitar when he was 16 years old and has been performing regularly since 1992. He moved to Washington DC in 2003 from Boulder Colorado, where for several years he led an original reggae/soul fusion band called Natural Kingdom. While opening a show for the legendary reggae band Culture, he was “discovered” by acclaimed reggae producer Georges Kouakou and they proceeded to record his first release entitled “Guidance and Protection” at Lion and Fox Studios in the DC. Georges co-produced several of Alpha Blondy’s groundbreaking records, including the “Jerusalem” album, and he has toured with many reggae greats including Culture, Burning Spear, and the Wailers. While recording the record, Mateo also had the pleasure of working with Junior Marvin of Bob Marley and the Wailers. “Guidance and Protection” was picked up by the French label Sankofa Blackstar and has received international airplay, as well as frequent rotation on XM Radio here in the US. In fall of 2004, Mateo played a two-week, multi-city tour throughout France with The Viceroys and Clinton Fearon of the Gladiators to promote the disc.
Since being in DC, Mateo has been a member of three bands, One Night Stand featuring Walter Tate on sax (8/03 to 8/04), THC featuring Dezzy Hyson of Culture and Mojanya (8/04 to 12/05), and most recently, Qleenkut from Liberia, the house band at the Ghana Café in Adams Morgan (12/05 to 2/07 and 6/7 to 9/7). He has also done plenty of freelance gigs, working in the studio and onstage with various artists, including an impromtu performance with Alpha Blondy and two live appearances with Junior Marvin. Mateo is currently focusing on solo performances utilizing looping technology, and producing original music in his home studio.
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