Greta Matassa: Northwest Icon and Lifelong Jazz Visionary
September 4, 2024 - by Rachel Pfalzer
Greta Matassa: Northwest Icon and Lifelong Jazz Visionary
Greta Matassa lives and breathes jazz. A performer for over 40 years, Greta has dabbled in all kinds of musical expression and become an enigmatic presence within the Seattle Jazz scene. As a nine-time Northwest jazz vocalist of the year, she has no plans to stop now. Greta fills up every venue she performs at with smooth melodies, inspired medley and most recently, was inducted into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame in 2014. For those on the Eastside looking to see her live, she will grace her presence at the Meydenbauer Center Theatre's stage with a dazzling array of classic, contemporary, and original pieces accompanied by a six-piece band. We discussed her earliest inspirations, relationships with her bandmates, and history playing some of the Pacific Northwest's most famous venues.
Don’t miss your chance to see Greta Matassa & Friends at this year’s Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series. The group will perform live on October 5th at Meydenbauer Center Theatre as one of the featured artists in this 5-day music series.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue music?
I started my first jazz group when I was 16 in high school. Not long after that, I dropped out and worked as the lead singer in all kids of bands: rock, jazz, blues, and even a heavy metal band for a while. I became more established in the jazz world in the 90s and found that was where I felt the most comfortable.
What are your biggest musical inspirations?
My earliest influences were classic jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan. I started enjoying pop crossover and dance music from the 80s and 90s as well from Stevie Wonder and Sting, which definitely influenced my interpretation of jazz. My repertoire and my sound are definitely quite eclectic.
How did you meet the group you’re performing with now?
Well, the bassist is my husband! We’ve been working together for 30 years. The drummer is one of his best friends so I’ve known him for roughly the same amount of time. Our saxophonist and pianist I met more recently but they’re both fabulous and a joy to perform with.
Do you have any exciting upcoming projects?
Last year I put on a birthday concert; it was such a blast that I’m continuing the tradition. My 62nd birthday concert will be at the Triple Door on September 6th and I’m really looking forward to that. I’m also so excited to be featured in the Bellevue & Blues Music Series. Otherwise, I’ve just been doing a lot of songwriting and preparation for all of my upcoming performances this fall.
What is your favorite venue you’ve performed at?
I’ve been doing this for so long around the Seattle area that I’ve been able to play almost every venue. So, I’ve been everywhere from Jazz Alley to the Opera House to the Paramount Theatre. Tula House was my favorite venue for a while, but it’s so hard to say because every place has different benefits. Large concert halls feel very different than intimate, smaller venues, which feel much more personal. The Triple Door is great because it splits the difference and offers the best of both worlds.
Why are you excited to be performing in Downtown Bellevue?
I’ve been a part of the Bellevue jazz scene since the 90s, all the way back when performances were held on a college campus. I have a long history with the series, and it’s so exciting to be a featured performer this year at Meydenbauer Center. It’s a great honor. I’ll have a six-piece band and we’ll be doing all sorts of classic, contemporary, and original pieces – it should be a great set.
Looking for more? From October 2-6, the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series will showcase 20+ live performances at different venues across Downtown Bellevue. See our 2024 all-star lineup of musicians and discover your next favorite artist!
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