Maurice Mattei is a Cincinnati treasure. Emigrated from Italy to America as a child, Mattei writes songs like a great Italian author, with a resignation to human degradation and depravity that is not from the normal lofty perspective of third person narrative, but rather as a first person conspirator. Character sketches in three minute vignettes of bars, hotels, strip joints and establishments of last resort that only Charles Bukowski or Mickey Rourke would feel comfortable in, all set to raw, serrated edged and unexpectedly complex mixes of blues, rock and jazz modes. Could it be that the fascination betrays his objectivity and reveals an unspoken compassion for his subjects?
-DW April 20, 2009
Visit his site.