Greta Matassa Performs in Bellingham

You may recall that jazz vocalist Greta Matassa opened for Herbie Hancock on June 20 in Seattle. In chatting with her after that show, I learned that she was going to be performing in Bellingham on July 11.

The concert wasn't well publicized, however. I didn't see anything in the paper about it. Only by stopping at the Ferry Terminal this evening at around 6:30pm did I learn that she was indeed performing with her trio in a free concert at 7:30pm

What a wonderful show. Part of the Blaine Jazz Festival, Greta performed music of Cole Porter, backed up by her incredible trio of Clipper Anderson on bass, Darin Clendenin on piano, and Lou Abbott on drums.

Ms. Matassa was in wonderful form, doing many Cole Porter standards, including "I Love Paris", "Miss Otis Regrets", and a swinging rendition of "Love For Sale."

With Bellingham Harbor as a backdrop, the Greta and her combo did two sets with a brief intermission.

She will perform again at the Blaine Performing Arts Center tomorrow night as part of the main festival. A new CD of Cole Porter music was not ready in time for this show, but will be released sometime next week. If you haven't yet gotten a chance to hear this wonderful performer, check out her website at www.gretamatassa.com.