The Sicilian guitar virtuoso Matteo Mancuso has announced his first UK show. He will play the O2 Academy Islington, London on Wednesday 27th September. Tickers are available HERE.
Talking about the show he says, “This will be my first time playing in UK, I’m really excited pumped for this show and I’m sure we will have a lot of fun! Hope to see you there”
Mancuso will release his debut album, ‘The Journey’, on July 21st via The Players Club/Mascot Label Group. On his latest single “Samba Party,” he channels the excitement and jubilation of a Rio de Janeiro during carnival – but the song itself is anything but samba. This was the follow up to the album’s lead single “Drop D,”
At 12, Matteo took his first steps onto the stage at a local jazz festival. Since then, his acquaintance with live performances has seen him blossom and develop through various line-ups and collaborations with the finest local musicians, including a duo with his father, where they explore the complexities of Django Reinhart’s repertoire and contemporary jazz classics. As a multi-faceted player, either classical or electric, what is astounding is his one-of-a-kind technique and use of his fingers instead of regular picking.
As a YouTube sensation, his channel is now at 142k subscribers, with his international fanbase growing, which includes some of the world’s most iconic, ground-breaking players who are declaring Matteo as a force to be reckoned with, from Dweezil Zappa to Joe Bonamassa, Steve Vai to Al Di Meola and Tosin Abasi. In 2017, as part of a trio called Snips, Matteo and his bandmates took on more jazz-rock and fusion elements; their version of “The Chicken” hit 2.2 million views on YouTube.
His debut album of nine original songs was recorded at Fico d’India Studios Casteldaccia, Sicily, by his father, Vincenzo Mancuso – a gifted player who also played on the record and co-wrote two songs, “Polifemo” and “Blues For John.” The album also features Stefano India (Bass) and Guiseppe Bruno (Drums), with additional musicians Riccardo Oliva (Bass), Gianluca Pellerito (drums) and Guiseppe Vasapolli (Piano/Organ).
He has recently performed with Tommy Emmanuel in Palermo, he’s shared the stage with Al Di Meola on classical guitar at the closing night of the Eddie Lang Jazz Festival and played at the Lugano Jazz Festival in Switzerland as a guest with prog-rockers PFM and an incredible performance at the New Ross Guitar Festival in Ireland.
2023 is now where ‘The Journey’ really begins. From the age of 12, when he took his first steps onto a stage in Sicily, has all led to this moment – the precocious talent which led to the youngster becoming a YouTube sensation, to the acclaim from some of the finest guitarists of their time, to the stages graced across Europe and the ones he has shared with icons, to this moment – his debut album release of nine deftly beautiful guitar instrumentals.
“I just want people to hear it,” he enthuses. “Music has always been my favorite form of communication, and the thing I love about instrumental music is that there isn’t a language barrier. I’m sure that people that don’t usually listen to instrumental music can find something interesting from this album.”
Matteo Manusco – EU Tour Dates
Friday, July 7th – A to Jazz Festival – Sofia, Bulgaria
Thursday, July 13th – Collinarea Festival – Lari, Italy
Friday, July 14th – Udine Jazz – Udine, Italy
Saturday, July 15th – Veneto Jazz – Padova, Italy
Wednesday, July 19th – Stresa Festival – Stresa, Italy
Saturday, July 29th – Scenario Montagna – Forte Masua, Italy
Saturday, July 29th – Forte di Fenestrelle – Fenestrelle, Italy
Wednesday, August 2nd – Sant’Elpidio Jazz Festival – San Elpidio, Italy
Tuesday, August 8th – Cervo – Cervo, Italy
Thursday, August 10th – Garda Jazz – Arco, Italy
Wednesday, July 27th – O2 Academy Islington, London, UK
