Mateo Saralegui: Guitarist, Composer, and Innovator in Folk Jazz

Mateo Saralegui is a distinctive voice in the world of folk jazz, blending traditional Argentine folklore with elements of jazz and modern sounds. Born and raised in Adrogué, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mateo is part of a new generation of musicians who effortlessly combine diverse influences to create something truly unique.

Starting guitar lessons at the age of 9, Mateo’s early inspiration came from The Beatles. However, by 17, he found himself drawn to the deeper rhythms of Argentine folklore, jazz, and Brazilian music—genres that would become central to his artistic identity.

Between 2015 and 2021, Mateo studied Folklore Guitar at the prestigious EMPA (Escuela de Música Popular de Avellaneda), Latin America’s first school of popular music. Under the guidance of respected musicians like Juancho Farias Gomez and Pedro Rossi, he developed a nuanced approach to blending these rich musical traditions.

His graduation concert resulted in the album Estampa, recorded with the trio Otra Huella. Featuring both original compositions and reimagined folklore pieces, Estampa is an exploration of Argentine and rioplatense music.

In 2022, Mateo brought his folk jazz sound to Europe, performing solo across Spain, Italy, France, and Germany. While in Italy, he met handpan percussionist Giulio Quaranta, leading to the formation of a Pantar duo. Together, they recorded a live session for Ziran Handpan.

In Berlin, Mateo collaborated on Lullaby for a Son, a project by Russian musicians Sasha and Anja, aimed at fostering peace between Russia and Ukraine through music. Their album, a blend of folk jazz and cultural themes, reflects Mateo’s versatility as a guitarist and arranger.

Back in Argentina in 2023, Mateo launched two new projects: a duo with vocalist Paula Bori and a trio with the ensemble Mateina. Both reflect his passion for Latin American roots music while allowing space for original compositions and experimentation within the folk jazz niche.

Aside from composing and performing, Mateo dedicates his time to teaching guitar, leading ensemble workshops, and offering harmony courses, passing on his expertise to the next generation of musicians.