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DEREK “HARMONICA SLIM” MATTESON

Derek “Slim” Matteson is a Philly based harmonica player and blues artist who specializes in the traditions of Chicago based blues, west coast swing, and Excello records stylings while co-fronting his band Slim and the Perkolators.  Born and raised near Philadelphia, PA he was given a harmonica at the age of 22 and it has completely taken over his life ever since. 

Early on Derek sought out the local blues scene, which is based around one of the oldest blues societies in North America.  The Bucks County Blues Society is home to harp phenoms like Steve Guyger, Mikey Junior, Dave Holzman, Mark B, and a slew of others.  After seeing Mikey Junior and Steve Guyger perform for the first time, Derek knew blues was his calling.  During a chance meeting at a Little Red Rooster Blues Band show Derek met his playing partner on guitar; Tim “The Perkolator” Perks, and Slim and the Perkolators was formed.

Once Derek and Tim got going Slim and the Perkolators became a staple of harp driven blues in the tristate area regularly playing 2-4 shows a week.  Their debut record was nominated in the Best Debut Record of the year category for the 2019 Blues Blast Magazine Music Awards and their work garnered airplay internationally on blues stations around the world.  Today Derek has become a steady worker within the Philly Blues scene and has even toured from Maine to Florida on the east coast.  Grab a shirt and become a Perkolator today!