My name is Matthew DeMerritt, but most of my friends call me MattyD. I've played with dozens of bands over the years, including two years on the road with Macy Gray, two more years in Greg Kurstin's band "Action Figure Party," and a year in Italy recording and playing with Quintetto X, a project with DJ/producer Nicola Conte and singer Rosalia DeSouza. I also helped found "Dakah," the hip hop orchestra led by Geoff Gallegos(Double G). Currently I play in the Concert 9net, a group featuring original compositions as well as some adaptations of Mingus, Satie, and Stravinsky, and the Rhythm Roots Allstars, a band which explores groove music from around the world and has backed hip hop luminaries Ghostface Killah, Talib Kwali, Redman, Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul, Rakim, and Brother Ali. I also support singers Jim Bianco and Nailah on a regular basis, and have made appearances with singers Nikka Costa and Vassy, as well as filling out the ranks of Breakestra, Orgone, and the Greasy Beats from time to time. I've also been a "session cat," recording with Macy Gray, George Clinton, Eels, Barenaked Ladies, Nine Inch Nails, Everlast, Ghostface Killah, Ben Lee, Damon Aaron, The Jade Vincent Experiment, The Breakestra, Spanky Wilson and the Quantic Soul Orchestra, Charlotte Gainsborg, and many others. In addition to tenor saxophone, I play flute, keyboards, percussion, and my new favorite instrument, the melodica!
With De La Soul
Here's the latest from the Jim Bianco Band.
With Ghostface on Kimmel
Here's a movie demo I did the music for and appeared in.
My flute playing can also be heard on this educational video!
