Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Nilson Matta is a Brazilian-born double bassist and composer who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Born on April 27, 1954, in São Paulo, Brazil, Matta grew up in a musical family and began playing the guitar at a young age. However, it was not until he was 18 years old that he discovered his true passion for the double bass. Matta began his formal music education at the University of Brasília, where he studied classical music and jazz. He then moved to Rio de Janeiro to study with the renowned Brazilian bassist Luizão Maia. In 1980, Matta moved to New York City to further his studies at the Manhattan School of Music. In the early 1980s, Matta began performing with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Herbie Mann, Joe Henderson, and Paquito D'Rivera. He also became a member of Trio da Paz, a Brazilian jazz group that included guitarist Romero Lubambo and drummer Duduka da Fonseca. The trio quickly gained a following and released their first album, "Brazil from the Inside," in 1992. Matta's talent as a bassist and composer soon caught the attention of other musicians and producers. He began working with jazz legends such as Nancy Wilson, Yo-Yo Ma, and Randy Brecker, as well as Brazilian musicians such as Ivan Lins and João Bosco. He also collaborated with the New York Philharmonic and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. In addition to his work as a performer, Matta has also made a name for himself as a composer. He has written music for films, television, and theater productions, as well as for his own albums. His compositions often blend elements of Brazilian music with jazz and classical music, creating a unique and vibrant sound. Throughout his career, Matta has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of music. In 1997, he was awarded the Brazilian International Press Award for Best Instrumentalist. He has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Latin Jazz Album for his album "Walking with My Bass" in 2004. One of Matta's most notable performances was at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was invited to perform at the closing ceremony, where he played a solo bass rendition of the Brazilian national anthem. The performance was widely praised and helped to raise Matta's profile even further. In recent years, Matta has continued to perform and record music, both as a solo artist and as a member of various groups. He has also become a respected educator, teaching at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City. Overall, Nilson Matta's career has been marked by a dedication to his craft and a willingness to explore new musical territories. His unique blend of Brazilian music, jazz, and classical music has earned him a place among the most respected musicians of his generation.

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