Marta Karassawa

Marta Karassawa is a Brazilian pianist whose musical journey has been marked by an intense passion for music and a career defined by overcoming challenges. She was born in Niterói - RJ and grew up as the oldest daughter in a family of engineers and architects where music always held a special place, even if it was not a career pursued by her family members.

Early on, Marta showed a liking for the piano and began taking lessons at the age of 7, initially only as a hobby. However, her love for music deepened over time, and although se studied Architecture and Urban Planning in Brazil, her passion for music drove Marta to change her career course. Determined to pursue her passion, Marta began her transformative path to the prestigious Berklee College of Music where she received a scholarship. This experience gave her the unique opportunity to learn from jazz legends such as Danilo Perez, Horace Silver and Pat Metheny, and attend inspired workshops. Her dedication resulted in graduating with honors with a diploma in Performance and Arranging.

After graduation, Marta returned to Brazil and married her great love, German bassist Frank Herzberg, who also studied at Berklee College. Together they built a partnership in music and life and founded a family with three children that became a source of inspiration for many.

In 2001 she formed the Marta Karassawa Quintet, bringing to light the nostalgia for the great jazz quintets of the 1940s and
 1950. With her quintet, she performed on stages in various
 theaters, clubs and Festivals.


She released two singles, “Cama de Gato” and “Mantra”, both parts members of her first album as a quintet entitled
 “Tempo Bom” which was released in full on March 8th of 2024. The album is a collection of songs composed at different stages of her life, which reflects the diversity of styles and "moods" that characterize her musical journey, ranging from swing to bossa and baião to funky blues. With participation from some of the
 best jazzmen from the SP jazz scene, such as Teco Cardoso
 on flutes and tenor sax, Sidmar Vieira on trumpet and flugelhorn, Frank Herzberg on double bass, Zé Eduardo Nazário on drums, and special appearances by Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Chico Macedo and Stephanie Borgani, the album promises to be a real treat for music lovers.

"Tempo Bom" is produced by Frank Herzberg, who also
 takes over editing and mixing.

Gear

Acoustic piano

Tokai babygrand electric piano

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