Gino Matteo's album, "I've Been Thinkin'" has been nominated for Best Blues Album in the 2009 Just Plain Folks Music Awards!
Hopeless Sinner & Only 24 have also been nominated in the Best Blues Song Category. Gino is the only artist with 2 songs nominated!
Gino's song "Liquor Store Man" received an Honorable Mention in the 15th Annual Billboard World Songwriting Contest in the Americana/Folk category: as well as, "Follow the Funk" in the R&B/Blues category, and both, "I've Been Thinkin' " and "Only 24" in the Rock/Alternative category.
That makes 4 from one album! Go Gino!
Gino Matteo received Honorable Mentions from the ISC in both the "Blues" and "Performance" categories for his song, Only 24! as well as placing 29th out of 144 in the "People's Choice" voting. Thanks voters!
Kai Turner the "Blues Vassal" has released his Strictly Blues Top 50 albums and songs for 2007.
Gino's "Chasing the Dragon" made the list! Yeah!
Gino Matteo’s life has been filled with triumph and tragedy; quintessentially, the blues.
Gino hails from Southern California, the youngest of four siblings, all teenagers when he was born. Raised mostly by his mom, Gino still did some bouncing back and forth between both parents and his oldest sister.
When Gino was six, he was diagnosed with a bone disease that affected his hip. Subsequently, he was confined to a wheel chair and crutches for several years while the disease ran its course. During this time, Gino began developing that jovial “don’t worry” attitude that has carried him through so many difficulties. Years later, he recovered, with his freedom of mobility restored.
Musically, Gino’s childhood influence was the heavy metal music of his sister. In his early teens, he discovered the Seattle sound, and somehow from there, the blues with it’s endlessly rich history.
At 17, Gino bought his first guitar from a pawn shop. Dreaming of becoming a musician, Gino eventually hooked up with local harp legend, Magic Li, at a jam near a pizza place Gino was mopping floors at. Magic took him under his wing and showed him the ropes.
Gino honed his skills over the next few years in numerous bands of varied genres, all of whom contributed to his musical education. Always, there was a sound track playing; the music of his life in his head.
In 2006, at just 24, Gino participated in a national guitar competition, winning the west coast rounds. His performance lit a fire under his bother-in-law Ron, and sister Kelly, to do all they could to propel Gino into the spotlight they felt his passion and hard work warranted.
In 2007, Gino formed his own band, and began working on the music for a debut album. Ron, Kelly and their partner, Liz Greenwood got behind Gino. The four of them formed a company, Iridium Music Group LLC, putting all of their financial and emotional resources at the disposal of Gino’s album project, “I’ve Been Thinkin’”. So, in the chaos of today’s musical industry, Gino owns part of the record label he is signed with.
Many people contributed to the record, and Iridium was fortunate to get industry professionals to work on it; hence, the polished, final product. There are 8 Gino originals, one song, “Lamb”, co-written with Gino’s producer, Chris Desmond and 3 covers; a Chris Cain tune, (one of Gino’s guitar heroes), a Tom Waits song, and a classic from The Band. When Chris Cain was asked to give a quote about the record, his reply was simple. "Gino is a wonderful guitarist and talented songwriter; as well as a very humble, nice person. I love him."
The musicians appearing on the record are Southern California locals, each unsung heroes in their own rights. Full credit and acknowledgement appear on Gino’s website, www.ginomatteo.com, where the cd is available for physical sale and digital download.
“I’ve Been Thinkin’” tells stories from Gino’s life. Lyrics spring from real experiences. The title track harks back to days when he was living in his car. “Liquor Store Man” is about a homeless person living in a parking lot behind an apartment Gino had in Baldwin Park. “Only 24” speaks to experiencing too much, too fast, too young.
Musically, “I’ve Been Thinkin’”, is eclectic. Entrenched in blues, it has funk, gospel, rock and folk peeking through. Gino didn’t try to make music tailored to popular taste – he pushed the sound track that has been playing in his head, out into the world, exposing a look at his soul.
The album is a purely a homegrown indie release; Gino and the Iridium gang are doing all the radio promotion, publicity and leg work, themselves. The public response, considering limited promotional resources, has been astounding. “I’ve Been Thinkin’”, is getting airplay on the Blues Deluxe radio programming, in New York, Colorado, Oregon, Alaska and California, to date. It is being well reviewed critically.
Bob Kiselus of Barrelhouse Blues Magazine reviewed the record as follows: “This is a stunning release... Not exactly blues, but "Soul" Music, - and we're not talking about the genre. Instead, it is music that touches your soul and reaches your inner self. With strings and horns, it is stylistically refreshing and well arranged, but it may take more than one listen to reach you. Once it does, you'll find yourself drawn in. It will grab you and not let go. Enjoy the emotional and musical journey.”
Currently, Gino and his 1970 Gibson 335 can be seen around Southern California with his band: “Chicago” Chuck Gullens on drums, Chris White on bass and Morris “Mo” Beeks on keyboard. “This band is not only a ‘dream team’, they are greatest friends a guy could have,” Gino says.
Gino, Chuck and Mo also tour in the summer with Blind Dog Smokin’. Blind Dog is a blues band with a long, rich history and discography. They appeared in 2007 at the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival (formerly King Biscuit) backing up Bobby Rush, and Gino considers it one of the “triumphs” of a blues life. Spending time backstage with his friend, Hubert Sumlin, topped off the experience for Gino.
As this article was being written, Gino requested that everybody who has ever helped him along the way, be thanked. The one thing Gino knows is; life lifts you up and life holds you down. The only sure thing about life is; that if you wait long enough, it will change. That’s the blues.
-Liz Greenwood
