I stepped out and got a chance to see and hear the Elliot Bay Jazz Festival hosted by Olympic College's Music Department (across the water from Seattle in the great PNW). Admission was free and the plan is that it is going to be held every year on the 3rd weekend of November.

Well I wasn't disappointed and had a wonderful time. Greta Matassa has a new fan in me. And the pianist who was fortunate to have a chance to accompany her played brilliantly. Her afternoon master class was great; and I learned some new things to try.

I believe the concert accompianist was part of Olympic College's Jazzline Combo. Greta didn't bring her usual combo but borrowed OC combo and did the concert like a nice Jam session.

If you love Ella, Sarah V. and Billie (and the other vocal jazz greats) you really need to get over to hear Greta. Greta can scat like nobody's business and handled a varied repetoire masterfully.

If you want to hear samples of Greta Matassa check out her website at www.gretamatassa.com and go to her music links to hear some great MP3 and realaudio samples. She plays in clubs in the Puget Sound Area frequently; so if you are going to be in the Seattle area I'd recommend you look up one of her gigs and get there.


"Goove For Thought" (6 part vocal ensemble doing both acapella and combo backed pieces) was also there; and they too also had a great pianist with them. I wish I would have wrote down the names of the two accompianists that played for the concert. They really knocked out James Browns "I Feel Good" clear out of the park.

There is nothing like well played and sung live Jazz music to reach out and touch your soul.

Here is a video clip of Greta Matassa for those who might be interested in hearing this jazz singer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I21XN_mBkKo