MattyD

My name is Matthew DeMerritt, but most of my friends call me MattyD. I've played with dozens of bands over the years, including two years on the road with Macy Gray, two more years in Greg Kurstin's band "Action Figure Party," and a year in Italy recording and playing with Quintetto X, a project with DJ/producer Nicola Conte and singer Rosalia DeSouza. I also helped found "Dakah," the hip hop orchestra led by Geoff Gallegos(Double G). Two other projects with G are the Concert 9net, a group featuring G's compositions (and one of mine)as well as some adaptations of Mingus, Satie, and Stravinsky, and the Rhythm Roots Allstars, a band led by another longtime friend, percussionist Davey Chegwidden, which explores groove music from around the world and has backed hip hop luminaries Ghostface Killah, Talib Kwali, Redman, Big Daddy Kane, Dela Soul, Rakim, and Brother Ali. I also support singers Jim Bianco, Nailah, and Nikka Costa, among others, and have filled out the ranks of Breakestra, Orgone, and the Greasy Beats from time to time. I've also been a "session cat,", recording with Macy Gray, George Clinton, Eels, Barenaked Ladies, Nine Inch Nails, Everlast, Ghostface Killah, Ben Lee, Damon Aaron, The Jade Vincent Experiment, The Breakestra, Spanky Wilson and the Quantic Soul Orchestra and many others. I've also had the good fortune of playing at some of the world's coolest venues, including Carnegie Hall, Disney Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, Red Rocks, Roseland, Cesaria Amphitheater in Israel, Wembley Arena, and the Glastonbury Festival. In addition to tenor saxophone, I play flute, keyboards, percussion, and my new favorite instrument, the melodica! I had a photography addiction for awhile, the results of which can be viewd on my website.

Here's a movie demo I did the music for and appeared in.

My flute playing can also be heard on this educational video!