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, singer/songwriter Gretchen Lieberum and many "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 Catalina's Bar and Grill, The Jazz Bakery, La Ve Lee, Charlie O's, Café Metropol and 2nd St. Jazz.

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 and Wilshire Theaters), 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 Ensemble. The Los Angeles Tango Ensemble has performed at venues such as the New Madison Theater (Second Space) in Santa Monica, at the "Dance Downtown" concert series for pver 500 people held on the courtyard of the Music Center, Spazio, Vibrato and countless private engagements.

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).

Teaching is also a big part of Pablo's life. He teaches privately to students that have moved on to attend Manhattan School of Music, CSUN, USC and other prestigious schools. He directs the SOL-LA Music Academy Youth Orchestra which performs Jazz, Tango, Latin and other popular music genres. The Students of this blossoming group learn about performing many different styles, improvisation and even dance!

He has been invited to coach Up and coming tango groups in Minnesota, San Diego, Dallas, and San Fransisco. He has given lectures on the history of tango, the breakdown of tango performance, the evolution of Astor Piazzolla's music and various other topics related to the Argentine music.

Having been sought out for his versatility, in October of 2006 Pablo performed with Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails at a Benefit Festival organized by Neil Young for The Bridge School .

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.