MATT MARTIN – MonkeyMind (CD)

MATT MARTIN – Matt Martin’s MonkeyMind – (CD) – 4-panel eco-wallet

Horton Records 086 – Released 06.09.2023

Matt Martin spent his formative years drumming around rural Oklahoma, playing country, blues, rock, and pop. In 1979, he visited Tulsa and was introduced to the Tulsa Sound. He packed his bags and the rest is history. He took a slight detour for a few years in the early 80s as the drummer for Oklahoma’s own Reba McEntire. Homesick, he returned home to work and to play with his Tulsa friends ever since. He’s been fortunate enough to play with a long list of local legends: Bill Davis, Steve Pryor, Brad Absher, Stephen White.

A few years ago, Matt began playing bass. He also learned how to build guitars thanks to Tulsa luthier and guitarist, Seth Lee Jones. They became friends, and Matt occasionally filled in on bass or drums with Seth’s trio. In 2020, after dinner and some tequila with Seth, Matt gathered his courage to play Seth his demos. That night, they decided to go in the studio with Seth on guitar and Matthew Teegarden (from Seth’s trio) on drums. Seth said Greg Zink on B3 was the only choice for this music. They formed a group and agreed the performances for the record had to happen organically as a team using vintage instruments and amplifiers. Matt’s friend, studio owner, and Grammy-winning drummer, David Teegarden Sr., attended every session offering guidance and encouragement. Engineer Brett Baldwin faithfully captured the vision of the band.

The group has been christened MonkeyMind, which in Eastern Indian culture refers to an overactive or racing mind. With a pumping rhythm section, B3 grooves and slide guitar, this homegrown flavor of Tulsa sounds like BBQ smells; savory and smokey.

Recommended if you like: Galactic, Charlie Hunter, Seth Jones, John Scofield Uberjam, Shane Theriot

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