Italian musician and composer Julyo, alongside music producer and composer Matthew Shell, has released their first music collaboration, “Monterosso.” This instrumental single, available in Dolby ATMOS audio, seamlessly weaves together the rich tapestry of melodic Spanish guitar, mandolin, and jazzy Rhodes keyboard, transporting listeners on a sonic journey that embodies Julyo’s profound vision of cultural fusion.
A luminary in his own right, Julyo’s collaborations and performances read like a who’s who of the music industry, having shared stages with luminaries such as Michael Brecker, Cindy Blackman, and the legendary Paulo Bragança. Grounded in his classical training at Berklee College of Music, Julyo’s compositions pay homage to icons like Paco de Lucia and Miles Davis, while also evoking the cinematic splendor of Ennio Morricone and Vangelis.
Inspired by the picturesque coastal village of Monterosso, nestled within the famed Cinque Terre region, the composition captures the essence of this idyllic locale. With its terraced hills adorned with lemon groves, vineyards, and olive orchards, Monterosso exudes a timeless charm that has enchanted travelers for generations. Julyo and Matthew artfully translate this allure into musical form, infusing their composition with the vibrancy and serenity of the Italian Riviera.
Matthew Shell is an acclaimed music producer, audio engineer, guitarist, and pianist from Bethesda, MD. His production styles include alternative jazz, chill afrobeat, pop, rock, R&B, and soothing instrumental music. In 2022, Shell and GRAMMY® nominee Arun Shenoy released the Dolby ATMOS mixed jazz album “Elemental”. In the same year, Shell played guitar on Masa Takumi’s song “Kaze” from the album “Sakura” which won best Global Music Album at the GRAMMY® Awards. In 2023, Shell and longtime collaborator Kenny McNeil released the Dolby ATMOS mixed alternative jazz album “We’ll Find a Way II”, a chill Afrobeat style ode to Shell’s mom’s heritage from South Africa and Zimbabwe, where she was born and grew up respectively. This album was followed by the afrobeat single “My Ride or Die” featuring McNeil’s vocal artistry, Shell’s production, and guest artist Douglas Lira’s amazing sax playing, among others.
The genesis of “Monterosso” can be traced back to 2023 when Julyo and Matthew first crossed paths through mutual connections within the esteemed Recording Academy. Hailing from a lineage of musical virtuosos, Julyo boasts a distinguished career as an award-winning producer and musician. Drawing from his diverse influences spanning world music, contemporary jazz, and Mediterranean folk, Julyo’s oeuvre reflects a deep reverence for cultural diversity and artistic innovation.
“Monterosso” stands as a testament to Julyo and Matthew’s artistry, inviting audiences to embark on a transcendent voyage through sound.
