Guitarist

Mat Baker

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(5.0)Read all 9 reviews
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About Mat

Atmospheric & soulful music from an experienced, passionate & sensitive musician, who has played guitar & percussion for over 40 years.
Guitarist
Polegate
Public liability insurance of £10 million

I am a solo instrumentalist and I also love to sing. My primary instrument is Spanish guitar and I also perform with Irish bouzouki, ukulele & I love creating an ambience and atmosphere with my music, a beautiful background to your special event. On the guitar, I play a unique mix of styles so I can tailor to your needs. My main influences are Folk, Classical, Celtic, Jazz, Latin, Blues and Soul. I can include some vocals in any set list. On percussion, I love to get people dancing with my African and Latin inspired rhythms. I perform with a combination of Djembe, Conga, Bongo’s and Frame drums. I have performed publicly for over 35 years solo, as well as alongside many international musicians. I have also recorded with a large range of international artists including South African acapella group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I studied at the London Guitar Institute as well as with various world renowned rhythm teachers including Glen Velez and Reinhard Flatischler. I have spent a number of years living in Spain, where I studied and soaked up the flamenco flavours. I spend my time both performing, teaching, composing and sharing my passion for the joy of creating music.

Mat
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5 out of 5
9 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

Mat's Reviews

From Encore customers:

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Daniel M
3 months ago
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5 out of 5

Mat was hired to play acoustic guitar at our wedding, he did so much more than that. Mat took a very personal song to us and made his own acoustic arrangement of it creating a unique track that truly made our day beautiful, and brought a tear to multiple guests eyes, and my own! I can’t thank him enough for everything he did for our wedding, he was a great communicator before the day, keeping in regular contact in build up to the wedding. He suggested set lists and executed them with deft skill and beauty and created an atmosphere beyond what I could’ve imagined. Thank you Mat for all you did, we put our trust in you and from your first response to your final piece we couldn’t have asked for a better musician. You truly are the epitome of artist.

Reply from Mat
3 months ago

Dan, Thankyou (and Sophia) so much for the lovely words (which mean a lot!) but also for having me be a part of your special day. It really was such a pleasure and an honour to be there and play a part in creating the atmosphere. I wish you both much long lasting happiness, along with your gorgeous family! X

From other customers:

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Gayle S
3 months ago, for a Charity event in Alfriston
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5 out of 5

Mat performed for us at our last village fete with his guitar, providing ideal mellow music both vocal and acoustic. People loved his summer vibes. Mat was very easy to work with, both flexible and accommodating. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him for an event.

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Sophia E
3 months ago, for a Wedding in Udimore
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5 out of 5

I just wanted to thank you so much for all your hard work and for ensuring our wedding ceremony and the time you spent with us was full of love, warmth and such a joyful atmosphere. The recording of ‘Bloom’ (our special song) you sent over is beautiful, as it was on the day and we both listen to it regularly. We will be recommending you to everyone we know.

Read all 8 reviews
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Mat's Song list

Happy Birthday! - Traditional & Stevie Wonder
You Are The Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder
Norwegian Wood - The Beatles
Yesterday - The Beatles
Bloom (The Paper Kites) Inst. & Voc
Scarborough Fair - Traditional
Wild Mountain Thyme - Traditional
Keep Your Head Up - Ben Howard
Baby Can I Hold You Tonight - Tracy Chapman
Romance - Classical
Herencia Latina - Paco Peña
Entre Dos Aguas - Paco de Lucia
Aint No Sunshine - Bill Withers
Sally Gardens - Traditional
Drunken Sailor - Traditional
Many Rivers to Cross - Jimmy Cliff (UB40)
Fragile - Sting
So What - Miles Davis
All Blues - Miles Davis
Here comes the Sun - George Harrison (the Beatles)
Tomorrow the Sun Will Rise - unknown
Silent Night - Traditional
Aire de Flamenco
Every Breath You Take - The Police
How Insensitive - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Amazing Grace - Gospel traditional
Dance of a Dark Sea - unknown
Cavatina - Stanley Myers
Lokah Samastah - Traditional Peace mantra
Pretty Maid Milking Her Cow - Traditional Irish
Si Bheag Si Mhor - Turlough O’Carolan
Down to the River - Gospel Traditional
Ashokan Farewell - Traditional
Dirty Old Town - Ewan MacColl (the Pogues)
Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika - Traditional South African
Sarvesham - Tina Turner inspired peace mantra
Gayatri Mantra - Traditional Indian
In the bleak midwinter - Holst
Greensleeves - traditional
Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton
Don’t know Why - Jesse Harris (Norah Jones)
Swing Low Sweet Chariot - Gospel traditional
Willow - Joan Armatrading
Blackbird - The Beatles
Golden Brown - The Stranglers
Three Little Birds - Bob Marley
One Love - Bob Marley

Mat's Prices

Last updated: 2025

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
DurationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£175
Up to 1 hour£200
Up to 2 hours£250
Up to 3 hours£350

Add-ons

Special Song Recording
+£100
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

“I just wanted to thank you so much for all your hard work and for ensuring our wedding ceremony and the time you spent with us was full of love, warmth and such a joyful atmosphere” - Sophia, a client

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I have performed at many lovely and varied venues. Some examples….. St.Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace (Bishopsgate, London) Old Chapel Centre (Alfriston, East Sussex) Sa’taronja Centre (Majorca, Spain)

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

I love acoustic music in many forms. I love artists who weave rhythm and melody, particularly by letting their voice and instrument dance together. I love artists who allow space in their music! I am inspired by artists who are committed to mastering their instruments.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

I have recorded guitar on an album by Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South African Accapella group) In terms of high profile gigs…. I consider every wedding I play at to be such an honour, playing a crucial part in the creation of the atmosphere of 2 peoples very intimate bonding ceremony! It doesn’t get much higher than that!!

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

I will always try my very best to be flexible and to help your event run smoothly. Just let me know if timings change in the run up to your event and I will do my upmost to help and accommodate.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yes I can provide music in between my ‘playing’ if requested. I am happy to provide gentle sounds or more upbeat music, let me know what you would like and we can discuss playlists.

How much time do you need to set up?

My set up time is pretty short, usually around 20 minutes is adequate. This may vary depending on ease of access to electricity points etc. A little longer (extra 10 minutes) if I am also providing recorded music other than myself playing in between sets. Of course, if we are playing unplugged or with battery amplification the time needed is a lot shorter.

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

Yes. I am also very happy to learn new material, songs or pieces of music as long as I have enough time to do so. I am also very happy to sing songs, creating a set with a mix of instrumental and vocal. This is obviously something that we can discuss so that I can find out your needs for your event.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes, I will bring all the equipment I need. I travel with a high quality (AER) but compact and discreet stereo sound system (or 1 amplifier if more appropriate) If needed, I can bring a battery amplifier, to play in an outside space without electricity. I am very happy for a microphone and my amplification to be used for announcements or speeches.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

Yes of course (or will certainly do my best!) I would obviously ask for enough time to learn and prepare. I am happy to offer this service for free.
Musicianship
Genres:
Folk, Easy listening, Traditional English folk, Traditional Irish folk, Jazz, Flamenco
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Instruments:
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Event types:
Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Virtual event, Charity event, Corporate event, Church service, Private event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Recording session, Concert, New Year's Eve, Christmas party, Birthday party, Burns night, Theatre / Show
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Other skills:
Fluent improviser, Instrumental teaching, Accompanist
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