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Pablo Motta

About Me

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.

As a classical musician, he has performed with Mládí Chamber Orchestra, Santa Barbara Symphony, New Ear Ensemble (Kansas City based group dedicated to new music) and,while in college, with American Youth Symphony (AYS).

Recently, Pablo performed with Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails at a Benefit Festival organized by Neil Young for The Bridge School (http://www.bridgeschool.org/index.html).

Pablo performs mostly on the doublebass but also works extensively with the electric bass. He's played on countless radio spots and several recordings. He plays for Peruvian “Rock Star” Julio Andrade and in other rock/pop/funk projects.