"Work hard at what you love, treat everyone you meet like family, and try to smile here and there". Through it all, Gino Matteo still holds true to what he believes. Being a rarity in today's Roots-Music world, Gino Matteo is a young man with an incredible knowledge and respect for the past. A true student of life. Gino's performances are spontaneous, explosive, and original- a triple threat to the music world. Gino is the definition of an "old soul" with a voice as smooth as velvet but tough as nails. Gino writes music about his life as he lives it. His love, joy, and pain pour through his guitar and voice. Using the experiences learned over time, Gino is quickly carving out a name for himself being among the finest songwriters and guitarists in music. Over the course of Gino's career, he has worked with artists such as B.B. King, John Mayer, Hubert Sumlin, John Fogerty, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Pete Anderson. Gino Matteo loves what he does for a living and will continue to inspire and grasp audiences with his truthful and soulful stories. And he will do so with a smile.
"Chicago" Chuck Gullens is simply put, a baaad muthaf*&@a. Widely known as one of the most talented and creative minds in drumming today, his thunderously deep pocket sets the groove for this amazing group of artists to build on. Born on the South Side of Chicago, IL by way of Wyoming and Las Vegas, he's set his feet down in Los Angeles and joined the Family. Chuck cites Elvin Jones, Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl, Buddy Rich, Sonny Emory, and Will Kennedy among others as his main influences. His pulse is undeniable and is the heartbeat of the Family.
Chris White is Roots Music Royalty. His Uncle, Josh White carried the torch for African American songwriters in the 20th Century. Chris has one of the deepest pockets in music today. His throbbing bass sets a perfect foundation. Born in Washington DC, Chris learned his calling at an early age. A founding member of one of the greatest funk/jazz bands of all time, Monkey Meet, he's come full circle now playing with the Family. His musicianship is truely a thing to behold. He cites Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, and Bootsy Collins as some of his main influences among others. Chris White is a force onstage that you'll have to see to believe.
Mo Beeks is a master keyboardist with one of the most amazing voices in music today. Deeply rooted in jazz and funk, his dynamic musicianship has earned him the well deserved title of "The Comp King". Mo was born on the South Side of Chicago, IL and is a seasoned veteran of the roots music industry having worked with B.B. King, Chaka Khan, as well as Ike Turner, among others. His groove reverberates in the hearts and minds of anyone who hears this master at work.
