Artist description Matt Merten's musical path branches many directions. He performs many solo, acoustic guitar shows. He also performs with a variety of musicians who play diverse musical styles. The songs available on mp3.com represent groups of varying size and instrumentation.

Music Style Folk music that is highly influenced by jazz, funk, hip hop, and blues.

Musical Influences Bob Dylan, David Wilcox, Ben Harper, G Love & Special Sauce, Soul Coughing, The Roots, Ani Difranco, Jack Johnson, Atmosphere, Mason Jennings, John Coltrane, JJ Johnson, Miles Davis, Maceo Parker, James Brown, Violent Femmes, They Might be Giants, Bob Marley, and Jimi Hendrix

Artist History Matt Merten began performing 1998-2001 as the bass player with the band "Breaker Breaker". Check out their page at /artists/198/breaker_breaker.html He also was the trombone player in the funk combo "The Halfway House Septet" From 2001-present he has been the front man of Minnesota's "Bro Willie Brass Band" Also since 2001 he has performed and recorded solo projects. Matt Merten, a student of music at the University of Notre Dame, is currently getting his masters degree in trombone performance. As a performer, Merten has played in groups who have opened for many well known acts including Soul Coughing, Train, Marvelous 3, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Wookiefoot, Mason Jennings, Soul Asylum, Better than Ezra, and The Jayhawks.

Group Members On these tracks Matt Merten is backed up by members of the following bands: Wookiefoot (http://www.wookiefoot.com), The Heed (http://www.theheed.com), Roger, The Vee's, and The Bro Willie Brass Band

Instruments A wide variety of horns, drums, and keys all galvanized by acoustic guitar and voice

Albums Livin' (tentative release date 12/1/03)

Additional Info contact info and booking: mattmerten@yahoo.com

Location Notre Dame, Indiana - USA

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