The guitarist born in Campo Grande and resident in the USA has worked with the singer both in his solo career and in the Silk Sonic project
Between 2019 and 2022, although not constantly – also due to the Covid-19 pandemic which occurred in the central part of the period -, Matteo Asato worked with Bruno Mars. Initially, the Brazilian guitarist performed in shows with the American singer. He later became involved in the project Sonic Silkformed by Mars alongside Anderson.Paakentitled to a presentation at the 2022 ceremony Grammy Awards.
Today the position is no longer occupied by Asato, who gave way to Luke Aiono after deciding to focus on his solo career. However, the memories of the experience are positive.
In an interview with World of guitarthe US-based Brazilian revealed some details about his work with Mars. According to him, the dynamic was “interesting”, since there were different languages on the guitar: Bruno, it is worth remembering, plays this and other instruments.
“There are similarities, but our differences are what makes this match so great. There are always cards you can play on the table to impress the other musician.”
Mateus points out that Bruno’s main influence, not only on guitar but on music in general, is 1970s American funk. This, curiously, has never been a specialty of the Brazilian, but he has tried hard to keep up with the star.
“His music is driven by 70s funk, and even though I never mastered funk, I tried to cover the bases. I’m coming at it as something different: I’m a soloist. Bruno understood that I could work for this .”
“Brilliant musician”
At that time, Asato was already recognized worldwide for his guitar skills and had worked with several artists inside and outside Brazil, such as Jessie J, Tori Kelly AND Sandy. However, Mars’ many talents left him in awe.
“He’s a brilliant musician, an amazing singer and dancer who plays drums and guitar. I was impressed with that first rehearsal.”
The instrumentalist born in Campo Grande (MS) concluded by saying he is aware that his profile is not aligned with the Silk Sonic project, with a sound even more focused on the classic branches of R&B and soul music. This, however, ended up becoming a differentiator.
“I knew there were guitarists better suited for the Silk Sonic show. [Mas] Bruno thought it was a great combination because I could put the “fried” guitar on it.
Mateus Asato and Bruno Mars
In a previous podcast interview Amplify (go Igor Miranda’s website), Matteo Asato revealed how he got started Bruno Marsin his solo band at the end of the last decade. Initially he was only going to replace the lead guitarist, who had to be away for some time to attend the birth of his son. It worked so well that the bond extended to Silk Sonic.
“Eventually he broke up with his other guitarist, Bruno’s old guitarist went to do another job. He said, ‘Mateuzão, there’s this project for 2022 called Silk Sonic, and we want you.’ Bruno’s side project with Anderson .Paak, a mix of Earth, wind and fire with something modern, but totally 70s. He said he was staying at Silk Sonic for 2022. So I thought, ‘Am I going to do my job or this?’ So I decided I couldn’t let him go. It’s hard to say “no” to something I already knew would be temporary. Plus it was the 70s and I didn’t know how to play anything. Michael Jackson, James Brownetc. I saw that it would be a great school for me.”
Instead of staying, Asato ended the collaboration in February 2023, having completed all previously established commitments. The reason? He wanted to work on his solo career, which is expected to spawn a new album soon. However, he admits that he would have resisted longer to perform with the singer at the Sao Paulo festival The citySeptember 2023.
“The scales started to weigh more. I really enjoyed playing, but the realization that I had signed with someone world-famous as a sideman was complete. Perfect, but I said: ‘now it’s time to move on to the next chapter of my life; I will dedicate time to my things’. […] I wasn’t with him at concerts in Brazil anymore, which was a shame, because I left the band, and 15 days later, he announced a show in Brazil. I sent a mocking text: ‘Really? Not even to warn me, ask me to stay a little longer. But still, 2023 should be the year. 2020 was meant to be. So I spent the whole year with Bruno, I understood what it means to be a sideman of a world-famous guy, I made all the dreams I wanted come true.”
Without masking the evidence
Even without taking the stage, Mateus left his mark on those performances. He was the one who pointed it out “Trial”from Chitaozinho and Xororoto be played occasionally. In an interview with High hoursXororo, comments:
“At first, when they told me, I thought it was Bruno himself, but then I learned that it was his musician who was playing, the Giovanni Fossit [tecladista]. […]. It was Mateus Asato who nominated him, Bruno asked him to recommend three songs from here, and he said so ‘Trial’ It was a national anthem.”
+++ READ MORE: Xororó explains how Bruno Mars met ‘Evidencias’
+++ READ MORE: The success of Bruno Mars that the singer himself doesn’t like
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+++ Follow journalist Igor Miranda @igormirandasite on Instagram
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
