Currently playing bass with...
- CEILI RAIN (Celtic Rock)
- WITHIN ANOTHER (Progressive Rock/Metal)
Born in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada on February 23, 1975, Matt Mason began playing electric bass guitar in 1989 at the age of 14 while living in NY. During his first year on the instrument, he was recruited to play full-time for his church youth group. It didn’t occur to him at the time that within the next six years he would find himself in Woodstock, NY playing bass on a record produced by Chris Anderson (Todd Rundgren, Stevie Wonder, Goo Goo Dolls, Tori Amos, Third Eye Blind, Stevie Nicks etc…), and that only months later he would be listening to his bass tracks on the radio and be hitting the stage to open for National acts such as Blessed Union of Souls and others. In 1998 Matt moved south where he put in his time on the Nashville music scene. While in Nashville, in addition to traveling and performing with several artists, he did occasional studio work.
Since then his unique melodic/funk style of slapping, tapping and ability to adapt to just about any genre was sought after by several bands and artists for recordings and live performances. He has played on multiple records, which featured world renowned producers in New York, Nashville and Los Angeles. He has toured and performed in venues from New York to California with multiple bands and, at
6 feet 5 inches tall, Matt is literally a “monster†on the bass guitar.
Besides doing studio work and occasional shows with other bands and artists, Matt is currently performing with two groups. One is original Celtic rock band Ceili Rain (pronounced “kay-leeâ€) who as of November 10, 2006, has released seven full-length albums along with an Anthology DVD. Ceili Rain front man Bob Halligan Jr. has written over 140 songs that were recorded by well known rock artists including Cher, Michael Bolton, Kiss, Kathy Mettea, Judas Priest, Kix, Guess Who, Ted Nugent, Night Ranger and countless others. Collectively, Halligan’s songs have sold over 30 million units worldwide. Former Ceili Rain bassists include Lance Hoppen (Orleans) and Tony Levin, who played on the band’s 2004 release. This album was produced by Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel), who also played drums on the recording. Also within the band’s ranks is nine-time US and three-time world champion button accordion player, “Buddy†Connolly.
CEILI RAIN, which is signed to indie label Spirit & Song, regularly travels the United States and abroad performing at venues and festivals to audiences as large as 35,000 each year. Billboard Magazine describes Ceili Rain’s music as “thought-provoking and smile-inducing... [they] continually deliver smart, inventive, non-preachy music that uplifts the human spirit.†The band’s music receives airplay on hundreds of radio stations, including XM; and their music videos can be viewed on cable and satellite TV. Ceili Rain is also the winner of 7 Unity Awards, among others, including best rock band, group of the year and best music video (“Like A Train†– 2004).
WITHIN ANOTHER, a progressive rock/metal band is Matt's other group. Its members include guitarist/singer/song writer Dean Sternberg, who played two national Prog/Power festivals and toured with Century Media recording artists Into Eternity as lead singer in 2004. Dean also contributed guitars on Mick Cervino’s (bass, Yngwie Malmsteen & Blackmore’s Night) solo album, “Violent Storm,†which was produced by Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing and was released on Japanese major label King Records, later to be released in Europe in Oct., 2006. Also appearing on the album was Yngwie Malmsteen, Roy Z. and Downing. In addition, Dean contributed lead guitar for Crash Records recording artists Pure Sweet Hell, featuring Nevermore drummer Van Williams. Chuck Naccarato (drums and percussion) saw time on the road touring with national recording artist/guitarist John Hahn during the 90’s. Within Another is currently playing live and working on a full-length album to be released in 2007.
Matt’s technique, versatility, and extraordinary sense of melody continue to make him a highly sought-after bassist. Throughout his career he has played within the framework of several musical genres including Celtic, progressive, rock, metal, funk, gospel, folk, bluegrass and pop. Although he favors the 5 string (with 5 of them in his current arsenal) he also plays 4 and 6 string as well as fretless electric basses. Matt is particular about his live sound and typically goes for a crisp punchy tone that listeners and sound crews often describe as one of the best bass tones they have heard. He lives in NY with his wife Sarah where he writes, plays bass and piano in his digital home studio. His plans to release a solo album in the near future, although delayed due to his current musical commitments, are still in the works. Daily he practices and continues to expand his abilities and technique. Matt is a naturally gifted musician whose aggressive yet smooth bass style has been winning over audiences for years and will continue to do so in the future.
