Biography
“Matassa’s performance was a marvel of virtuosity.”
– LOS ANGELES TIMES
In the Pacific Northwest, where she built her career, Greta Matassa wins wide acclaim; 8 times, the readers of Earshot, the Seattle jazz magazine, have voted her the best jazz vocalist in the Northwest, including 2021!
She was inducted into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame in 2014. Jim Wilke, the Seattle jazz maven and host of the syndicated “Jazz After Hours” radio program, praises her versatility. “She has a fearlessness in approaching material,” Wilke says, “that makes her like an instrumentalist in a jam session.”
Bassist and producer John Clayton says “One of the best jazz singers we have to boast about these days.”
Her 40 year career has been a whirlwind of exciting opportunities and experiences. Over the last 20 years she has become established as one of the greatest jazz singers of her time. Working with top jazz musicians in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. In 2016 She was featured with bassist John Clayton’s group in a centennial tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.
She has recorded 11 CD’s. Her latest release “Portrait” on Origin Records is receiving rave reviews.
Her decision to start teaching was probably her greatest contribution to the future of the genre she loves so much. For the last 20 years Greta has become one of the most unique and respected educators in the field today. Offering individual lessons and mentorships as well as establishing loyal student bases from Seattle to Japan, From Alaska to Kauai, from Chicago to New York.
Greta travels extensively teaching and performing.
REVIEWS AND QUOTES
“The album (Portrait), closes with Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life.” All members of the quintet support Matassa and one another in what could become known as a definitive vocal version of that masterpiece.”
– Rifftides
“Boppish, snappy and conversational”
– Downbeat
“One of the best jazz vocalists we have to boast about these days.”
– John Clayton
“Worldly, gentle, bold, dynamic, Favorites From a Long Walk is a gift for the heart. Greta Matassa is one of America’s finest singers, and stands firmly among the best in today’s jazz.”
– Jazz Review
“Greta Matassa moves from triumph to triumph.”
– Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times
“She can give Ms. Streisand a run for it!”
– Seattle times
“Matassa is a Seattle treasure.”
– Seattle Times
“Her scatting is as confident, nimble an energetic as Ella’s and her phrasing is hip like Nancy Wilson’s”
– Earshot Jazz
“A vocal chameleon herself, Matassa can sound husky or crisp, ebullient or wailing, girlish or jaded. She recalls Billie Holiday in one phrase and Cleo Laine the next.”
– Misha Berson, The Seattle Times
“There was Matassa herself, whose voice can ping-pong along the highest riffs and effortlessly belt down to the darkest whiskey tones.”
– Mary Murfin Baily, The Seattle Times
“…She’s so light-hearted and humorous. Her musicianship is so meticulous. Her voice is so lovely. Her stylings are so precise and detailed.”
– Joe Adcock, The Seattle Times
“Purists might argue there will never be another Ella or Billie. These cats have obviously never heard Greta Matassa!”
– The Seattle Times
“Matassa is worth a sizable price of admission wherever and whenever she sings!”
– Rick Nelson, The Tacoma News Tribune
“Greta Matassa is a powerful, distinctive vocalist. Seemingly limitless as to what jazz form she can master”
– The Seattle Times
“Vocalist Greta Matassa can do Ella and get away with it! It’s not mimicry, it’s talent, and it’s only part of a much greater gift.”
– The Seattle Times
“Greta Matassa…Soulful…Soul filled…Pocket Diva…Groove Queen…Scats like nobody’s business! She is the real deal, baby!”
– Carmen Bradford
“Greta Matassa is a consummate jazz singer who has it all, a great sound and sense of swing, convincing delivery of any lyric that she sings, and she always connects with her audiences. In addition, she’s a terrific teacher who has mentored vocalists for years in her workshops and lessons. Hearing her always makes me smile.”
– John Stowell
“Greta knows how to get deep into the heart of a song, with irresistible feeling and an ear for the sound of surprise.”
– Tamir Hendelman
“Greta is amazing! She can sing a song and deliver the full range of emotion from sad to joyous, from delicate to strong…and is one of the most developed and imaginative improvisers I have ever heard. I have witnessed firsthand (actually, guitar in hand) the power of her creativity and the way she inspires others…go on Greta!!!”
– Bruce Forman
“We ALL wish we could sing like Greta!”
– Rebecca Kilgore
“There are few vocalists who send chills up my spine, but Greta sure does. What a joy to accompany her; she makes me want to be a better musician.”
– Josh Nelson
