Mat T (Howlin’ Mat)

Howlin’ Mat is one of the UK’s hardest working bluesmen, known for his nomadic lifestyle and raw, authentic slide guitar playing. Over the past 17 years, he has performed thousands of gigs across the UK, Europe, and beyond – from the Arctic Circle to the Sahara Desert. A lifelong blues devotee, Mat draws inspiration from legends like Elmore James, Robert Johnson, and Muddy Waters, and has earned praise from music greats such as John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) and Mud Morganfield (son of Muddy Waters). His signature blend of gritty guitar work, storytelling, and road-worn humour make his performances truly unforgettable.

Central to Mat’s music is his deep love for the Cigar Box Guitar – a uniquely expressive instrument that first captured his imagination early in his career. Initially a player, he quickly became a builder too, crafting his own cigar box guitars to suit his sound. These handmade instruments now feature in every one of his shows, and Mat is proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s leading performers of the CBG. His passion is not only for playing them but also for sharing their history, soul, and playability with others.

In 2023, Howlin’ Mat launched The Cigar Box Social, a project aimed at bringing these remarkable instruments to a wider audience through performance, education, and hands-on workshops. With his teaching background and wealth of experience, Mat now leads engaging and accessible sessions that guide participants through building their very own cigar box guitars. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a hands-on learner, or simply curious, Mat’s workshops offer a unique opportunity to explore the blues from the ground up – quite literally.