Greta Matassa plays the main stage of the North City Jazz Walk Aug 16

Greta Matassa plays Jazz Walk

They’re back! Greta Matassa and the Critical Mass Big Band return to the 2016 North City Jazz Walk for another round of jazz and the American Songbook.

Once again they will appear on the Main Stage/ Showmobile Stage. They’ll start at 6:30, and there’ll be plenty of outdoor seating, so all Jazz Walk guests should be able to catch a full set of these two fine artists.

Greta Matassa is, quite simply, the finest jazz vocalist in the Northwest. 

She communicates a great sense of the lyrics, her huge range lets her soar and plunge without sounding strained, and her sense of time is impeccable. 

Whether her tune is blues or jazz influenced, her singing sweeps listeners away.

Critical Mass is an outstanding full big band that combines fine playing with sensitive dynamics that make for a truly exciting band. Teaming up with Greta is always the highlight of the band’s season. 

Directing the instrumental portion of the program will be trumpeter Dave Jewitt, who brings terrific musicianship to the stage. As is custom, Shoreline arranger (and attorney) Keith McClelland will direct the band during the vocal portion of the performance.

What’s new? Keith has written new arrangements for Greta especially for this performance, and she will sing more of Keith’s charts that have never been performed at any Jazz Walk. So, even veteran Jazz Walk guests will hear lots of material they have never heard before.

Great artists, longer playing, more seating, new material … what’s not to like? 

Information and tickets for Jazz Walk here