I Wanna Be Loved

Greta Matassa made her mark performing in the Pacific Northwest as a jazz vocalist, with a great insight into the Great American Songbook and strong scatting abilities. Both are on display in this big-band session, with arrangements by the promising young pianist Tamir Hendelman and an all-star group. Following a swinging "Broadway" that also includes a healthy dose of scat, she is draped in strings and complemented by Steve Wilkerson's soprano sax in a lively take of Herbie Hancock's "Chan's Song" that sounds like it could have come from a movie soundtrack. There are several little-known songs that Matassa makes her own, including Jerry Goldsmith's moving ballad "Alone in the World" (written for the soundtrack to the film Russia House and performed with just the rhythm section, Carroll Coates' luxurious ballad "You'll See," and a touching setting of Cy Coleman's "Would You Believe." If there's a weak spot, it is Al Jarreau's "Save Me," which is undermined a bit by its uninspired lyrics and the questionable use of a harmonica synthesizer (perhaps no jazz harmonica player was available at the time?). Greta Matassa makes a strong statement with this memorable recording.