Thomas Matta

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 trotted around the globe with his bass trombone in tow, 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, Rob Parton, the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, the Mulligan Mosaics, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, Hug Jackman, The Who, Yes, Aretha Franklin, Art Garfunkel, Jimmy Heath, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Michael Feinstein, 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. He is proud to have contributed scores to the repertoire of jazz luminaries such as Jeff Hamilton, Phil Woods, Randy Brecker, Bill Reichenbach,Jon Faddis, and Clark Terry, to name a few.

The Tom Matta Big Band is comprised of a veritable “who’s who” in Chicago’s thriving jazz scene, and 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 is a professor at DePaul University, where he teaches Jazz Composition & Arranging, Applied Jazz Composition & Arranging, Applied Tenor and Bass Trombone, coordinates the Jazz Combo program, and conducts the Jazz Ensemble.

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