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Pablo Motta

Pablo Motta

Argentine-Born Jazz and Tango Bassist

Born in Pergamino and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pablo moved with his family to Los Angeles, when he was 12 years old. He chose the doublebass at age 13 and began working professionally alongside his father, José Luis "Pepe" Motta, when he was 15. This experience taught him about many styles including tango, Argentine folklore, various latin rhythms and improvisation in general. He attended Hamilton HS Academy of Music and California State University, Northridge were he played in all the top ensembles and received several awards at competitions and festivals. His main teachers were David Young, Oscar Meza (from the Los Angeles Philarmonic), Don Kasper and most importantly Gary Pratt.

In November of 2000, he moved to Kansas City to perform in, arrange and compose for Tango Lorca, an Argentine tango ensemble made up of young musicians. In KC is where "The Pablo Motta Trio" was born, featuring Pablo's original compositions and arrangements of jazz standards. In 2002, he moved back to Los Angeles where he would pursue his career with his trio and tour with major tango shows.

From the beginning of his studies in 7th grade, he has played jazz, classical music, latin music, rock and tango but jazz would become his main voice. As a jazz musician he has freelanced extensively, performing and collaborating with many artists in Los Angeles such as Justo Almario, Ronald Muldrow, Ron Anthony, Bobby Rodriguez, Ark Sano, Donald Vega, and many other "Young Lions". In Kansas City, he played with such artists as Roger Wilder, Todd Strait, Will Matthews (from the Count Basie Orchestra) and many others. With The PMT (Pablo Motta Trio), he's been very active in the Los Angeles jazz scene performing in some of the most important jazz venues such as Charlie O's and the Grand Star Jazz Club.

As a tango bassist, he has recorded music for and appeared in several movies including "Wings of Courage" (IMAX), "My Father the Hero," and "Marlene Dietrich" (Miramax). He appears in many CD's with artists from the US, Argentina and Japan. In 1998 he toured with "Tango Vivo!" through Canada (Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa, Kitchener and Toronto) and in 2001 he joined the cast of "Tango Dreams" and with them performed in Los Angeles, New Mexico, and Japan (three different tours). In 2004 he was invited to join the Broadway hit "Forever Tango" with Musical Director Victor Lavallen and since then has been touring with them through New York (on Broadway), Tokyo, San Francisco, Portland, Los Angeles (Kodak Theater), Mexico, Seoul, Seattle, Reno, and Puerto Rico. While off the road and at home in Los Angeles, he performs with "Trio Tangábile" (with Coco Trivisonno and Marcelo Caceres) and he directs The Los Angeles Tango Trio and The Los Angeles Tango Quartet.

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Tags

Primary Instrument

Bass

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Pablo has been teaching privately since age 18 and has developed a unique way to mentor students, always creating a bond and making lessons fun and serious at the same time. Students get 100% of his attention and he goes beyond the line of duty to ensure their success. His amicable yet strong nature exudes respect, therefore winning his student’s attention. He focuses on creating a well rounded student that can perform in any situation. Reading, soloing, playing with the bow, musicality, solidness...these are the points in which Pablo focuses most.

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