Matteo Mancuso

June 23rd, 2025
Neptune, Seattle, WA

Matteo Mancuso gifted Seattle an evening of exceptional beauty and musical mastery.

His performance at the Neptune Theatre was a genre-blending journey that seamlessly wove together jazz, blues, rock, and Afro-Latin rhythms into a vibrant tapestry of sound.

Backed by the phenomenal Gianluca Pellerito on drums and Riccardo Oliva on bass, this was far more than a guitar showcase—it was a true ensemble performance. Each musician brought their own voice to the stage, and together, they created a dynamic interplay that moved effortlessly from subtle complexity to explosive energy.

Gianluca’s open-handed drumming was a masterclass in control and expression—at times so delicate it was almost imperceptible, and at others, thunderous and lightning-fast. Riccardo, wielding a six-string bass, served as the perfect bridge between rhythm and melody, anchoring the trio with groove and grace.

And then there was Matteo—his playing, both effortless and intricate, evoked the precision of classical guitar and the fluidity of fingerstyle bass. His tone, phrasing, and musicality were mesmerizing, but what truly stood out was how he listened and responded to his bandmates. This was not a soloist with accompaniment—it was a conversation among equals.

The chemistry between the three musicians was palpable, and the audience felt it. Every transition, every solo, every groove was met with awe and appreciation. It was a night of musical storytelling, and everyone in the room was part of the journey.