Primary Instrument: Trombone
Thomas Matta boasts a body of work as a musician that spans an impressive spectrum of genres, styles, and disciplines.
An active performer, Thomas has performed extensively across North America, Europe, and New Zealand, and is one of the most sought-after bass trombonists in Chicago's recording studios, concert halls, theater pits and other live-music venues. Thomas has performed and recorded with a diverse array of talents including the Woody Herman Orchestra, the Frank Mantooth
Frank Mantooth
Jazz Orchestra, the Rob Parton JazzTech Big Band, the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, the Mulligan Mosaics, Ray Charles
Ray Charles
1930 - 2004
piano
, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, Art Garfunkel, Jimmy Heath
Jimmy Heath
b.1926
sax, tenor
, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Fulcrum Point, The Colorado Symphony, Concertante di Chicago, the Ravinia Festival Orchestra, the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra and many others.
His compositions and arrangements of have been performed and recorded by premier orchestras, big bands and chamber ensembles worldwide--many of which are published by Kendor Music, Doug Beach Music, Andel Editions, and the UNC Jazz Press. He is proud to have contributed scores to the repertoire of jazz luminaries such as Phil Woods
Phil Woods
b.1931
sax, alto
, Randy Brecker
Randy Brecker
b.1945
trumpet
, Bill Reichenbach
Bill Reichenbach
b.1923
, Jon Faddis
Jon Faddis
b.1953
trumpet
, and Clark Terry
Clark Terry
b.1920
trumpet
, to name a few.
2009 marks an important milestone in Thomas Matta’s career as a bandleader with the debut of his Chicago-based “Tom Matta Big Band.” Comprised of a veritable “who’s who” in Chicago’s thriving jazz scene, his ensemble is dedicated to the performance of music written for and by members of the band. The future is promising for an increasing itinerary of appearances at clubs, festivals, and educational settings by this stellar big band.
Thomas was appointed Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at DePaul University in 2007, where he previously taught as an adjunct faculty member since 1995. At DePaul he teaches the undergraduate and graduate courses in Jazz Composition & Arranging, Applied Jazz Composition & Arranging, Applied Tenor and Bass Trombone, coordinates the Jazz Combo program, and conducts the Jazz Orchestra.
