Member Since: 5/27/2005
Band Website: mattbaldoni.com
Band Members: Me and various other musical mercenaries from the Los Angeles area. Hans Zermuehlen, Eric Baines, JK Kleutgens, Joel Taylor, Moyes Lucas, Christian Poezach, Al Daniels, Antti Kotikoski, Brian Allen, to name but a few.
Influences: Steve Lukather and Larry Carlton are at the very top. My two biggest heroes and biggest influences. Others include Lee Ritenour, Al DiMeola, Mike Landau, Allan Holdsworth, Frank Gambale, Wayne Krantz, Drew Zingg, Allen Hinds, Ross Bolton, Carl Verheyen, Paul Jackson Jr., Oz Noy, Brent Mason, Scott Henderson, Jeff Beck, Pace De Lucia, Joe Pass and the many, many talented close friends I have. A few of my favorite bands are first Toto and Steely Dan, followed close by Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, Level 42, Chicago, Weather Report, Blood Sweat & Tears, Vital Information, the Chick Corea Elektric Band and a Vegas band called Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns. I have always admired guitar players that not so many people know, because I am primarily a sideman, and all of the great players listed above were responsible for bringing star power to the sideman and studio musician. I believe that its a blessing to make a full time living as a guitarists, as only 1% of the 10 million guitarists in America are able to do it. Those of us fortunate enough to occupy that 1%, we believe that everything we are is defined by music and the fact that we play this particular instrument, which is and will remain one of the most powerful vehicles of expression of the 20th century.
Sounds Like: I don't want to try and force my own music into one partocular category, I believe that not to be very fair. I can only hope that people enjoy these songs in some small way no matter what style they're in. Writing is a tough process for me, I think sometimes I come from too many places. It's probably the weakest aspect of my musicianship. But I can only hope that the way I play is reflective of my biggest influences, and from my experience.
Type of Label: None