Originally from Rio de Janeiro, studied acoustic guitar in early teens, switching to double bass and cello, mainly self-taught, after becoming interested in Jazz. Later entered the Villa-Lobos institute where he became involved in improvisation and electronic music. Since coming to Europe in the late 70's has performed, recorded and broadcast both in Britain and abroad in groups including John Surman, Evan Parker, John Stevens, Keith Tippett, Derek Bailey's Company, Dewey Redman, Roscoe Mitchell and Marylin Crispell amongst others. Has also worked with dance companies such as Ballet Rambert and The Extemporary Dance Theatre Company, and in electro-acoustic music groups such as the West Square Electronic Music Ensemble. An original member of the Eddie Prevost Quartet and a frequent contributor to various Elton Dean groups.
Other British projects have included the Chris Burn's Ensemble, "Wooden Taps" with Maggie Nicols, "Embers" with John Butcher and others, "Lines" with Phil Wachsmann/Jim Denley/Axel Dorner and Martin Blume, and "Full Monte" with Chris Biscoe, Brian Godding and Tony Marsh .
International projects working in Europe have included the "Bardo State Orchestra" with Jim Dvorak, Ken Hyder and Tibetan Monks, Georg Graewe's Grubenklang Orchestra, Stefano Maltese's "Open Music Ensemble", Tony Oxley's Celebration Orchestra, "AXON"- trio with Phil Minton and Martin Blume , bass/cello and shakuhachi duo with Buddhist monk Shiku Yano, and in Japan various groupings with Sabu Toyozumi and Keiko Midorikawa.
Present projects include "Stellari String Quartet" with Charlotte Hug, Phil Wachsmann and John Edwards, "Caetitu" with Martin Blume, Veryan Weston and Yedo Gibson, "Abaetetuba" with Panda Gianfratti, Thomas Rohrer and Rodrigo Montoya and "Paulínus Trio" with John Rangecroft and Dave Tucker. A long-standing member of the London Improviser's Orchestra
“Mattos is a creative genius…his invention is unparalleled, as is his musicianship.” – Marc Medwin, review in ‘The Squid’s Ear
Also trained as a Ceramic Artist at Goldsmiths college and continues to make and exhibit work in clay:
click on button below for ceramics site "Musiclay"