Greta Matassa

The Smiling Hour

82484

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MUSIC REVIEW BY Jay Collins, Cadence, Jan-Mar 2008

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The thrid release from Seattle-based Greta Matassa, who delivers her ten-song opus on "The Smiling Hour," favors a smoky, whisper-like delivery that matches the ambiance of this mostly laid-back affair, though several tracks demonstrate her considerable breadth. Matassa's stated goal is to take the listener through a "pleasant day," with bright beginnings and a reflective quietude at its conclusion. Contemporary songwriters are an obvious inspiration to Matassa, with Ivan Lins' "The Smiling Hour" given a joyously caffeinated take, followed by Pat Metheny's melancholic "If I Could, You Know I Would." On the ballad front, the light Latin of "Estate," the somber "I Get Along Without You Very Well," and the concluding slumber of Johnny Mandel's "The Solitary Moon," play to Matassa's strengths, namely her delicate expressions and skillful lyrical interpretation. While the uptempo numbers demonstrate another aspect that can be convincing, Matassa seems to tread a little too close to showmanship on some tracks, such as the cabaret-like "It's Delovely" or the Latin percussion infused, yet Jazzish "Indian Summer." Worth noting is that Matassa's supporting cast provides a lift throughout, with standout solos from alto saxophonist Mark Taylor on "Dance Only With Me" and Susan Pascal's colorful vibes on a coy reading of Duke Ellington's "Reminiscing In Tempo."








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