#abelitamateus

The Pace Report: "A New Feeling" The Abelita Mateus Interview

Welcome to another edition of The Pace Report featuring vocalist, pianist, and composer Abelita Mateus performing new music from latest CD "Mixed Feelings" live at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola in New York.

Abelita hails from Sao Paulo, Brazil and came to New York to study jazz music at William Patterson College in 2012. While there she was mentored by the late Mulgrew Miller and has played with the likes of Claudio Roditi, Eric Alexander, Dave Stryker, and Antonio Hart. She also currently plays piano for the Dizzy Gillespie Afro-Cuban Experience led by John Lee.

"Mixed Feelings" is her second release and features the legendary Romero Lumbambo on guitar, Peter Slavov on bass, Matt Marantz on tenor saxophone, Alex Kautz on drums, Phillip Gillette on percussion, and Diego Urcola on trumpet.

I had a chance to speak with Abelita on her musical experiences living and playing here in the states, her link to jazz and Brazilian music, and reflect on the importance of composer Antonio Carlos Jobim.