Webster Word

Who is Doug Mattingly?

by Gwen Stolzenbach

On Saturday, June 23 at 7 p.m., Webster Church will host a concert by award winning guitarist/singer/songwriter Doug Mattingly. So, who is Doug Mattingly you ask? Let me give you the lowdown.

I first heard of Doug from my son, Jim, 2 or 3 years ago when Jim started taking guitar lessons from him. After the first lesson Jim raved about this man’s fantastic guitar playing and music knowledge. Over the next couple of years I heard Doug’s name many times, always with positive comments. When Jim got engaged, he asked Doug to play for the wedding and reception. That was my first exposure to Doug’s music, and I was very impressed – not only with his musicianship, which I knew would be excellent, but also with his professionalism and work ethic - enough so that I asked if he’d consider playing a fundraiser for the church. I was pleased when he said yes. I could see that he was excited by the prospect of sharing his music with a new audience.

Since September I’ve made a point of learning as much as I could about Doug Mattingly and his music. I bought one of his CDs, fell in love with his songs and singing style, and had the opportunity to talk with him many times as we attempted to work out a schedule for this concert. Here is some of what I’ve learned:

• Doug Mattingly is from Parkville, MD.
• He has both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in music from USC’s Thornton School of Music, where he was part of an award-winning guitar ensemble called SuperAxe.
• He has more than 25 years guitar playing experience (I think he must have started when he was 3!). He spent several years working onstage in L.A. as a sideman, recording for other artists and touring the U.S. with various artists.
• Doug is a perfectionist!
• He plays in many styles – rock, metal, blues, jazz, classical, pop, R&B, and country.
• He is currently teaching music at 3 campuses of the Community College of Baltimore County – Essex, Dundalk and Catonsville.
• He gives private lessons in guitar, bass, songwriting, music theory, recording arts, beginning and intermediate voice.
• Until this past January, he was Director of Music for The Church of the Ark and Dove in Towson, MD, and Music Instructor for their School of Music.
• Doug has his own band – The Doug Mattingly Band – which performs in local clubs and for special events.
• He’s released 2 CD’s of his own music, with a 3 rd, ‘Love & Logic,’ to be released in the next few weeks.
• His 2nd album – ‘Building a Monastery’ – won City Paper’s Best Local Album for 2006.

I’m very excited about the upcoming concert here at Webster. We’re in for a wonderful evening of classical, jazz and soft rock music performed by an excellent guitarist and accomplished singer/songwriter. I hope everyone will come out to support Doug’s efforts and help to raise some much needed funds for the church, as well. Tickets are $10, and can be obtained from Doris or Gary Lyttle.