Seattle's busiest singer, Greta Matassa sings all over town from jazz clubs to concert halls, tours internationally, has recorded eight CDs and appeared as guest on many more, and makes time to teach and do clinics and workshops.
Her recent appearance in the Art of Jazz series at the Seattle Art Museum was recorded and an here are some of the highlights. The program ranges from standards to rarities and more contemporary songs by Stevie Wonder and Pat Metheny.
The urban blues of places like Detroit and Chicago came from country blues. Little Son Joe and his better known partner Memphis Minnie were among the players who brought the blues to the cities, paving the way for Muddy Waters and others who would follow.
Memphis Minnie is known as one of the best guitarists and singers in the blues, and had a prolific career lasting 40 years. She married Little Son Joe (Ernest Lawlars) in the late 1930’s and they recorded “Black Rat Swing” in 1941 with Joe on vocals.
This native of the South Bronx grew up with jazz and Cuban music simultaneously. Playing trumpet and conga drums, he came up in the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Eddie Palmieri and Manny Oquendo.
Originally published on Thu January 10, 2013 8:42 pm
By Patrick Jarenwattananon
Credit Robert Ascroft / Courtesy of the artist
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton on All Songs Considered as they previewed some of the big upcoming releases of 2013. My pick was No Beginning, No End by the chameleonic vocalist Jose James.
Musicians from Portland, Seattle and Vancouver are regulary featured on Jazz Northwest, and this week, all three cities are represented. Esperanza Spalding grew up in Portland and has become an international star. We'll feature her in a song in tribute to her home town, "City of Roses". The arrangement for the song has been nominated for a Grammy this year, and so has the CD, "Radio Music Society." Nancy King, Mary Kadderly and Eric Skye from Portland will also be featured.
Blind Willie Johnson was a bluesman and a preacher. His lyrics were spiritual, and his music was blues.
Though he only made 30 recordings, his work is a lasting part of the blues legacy. Early players like Son House and Fred McDowell played his tunes, and his influence reached people like Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin. In 1930 he recorded “The Soul of a Man” accompanied by his wife, Willie B. Harris.
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