Ed
DeMatteo 1927-2010
A fine swing, jazz and classical bass and tuba player loved and respected by his fellow musicians.
Ed held music degrees from Boston Conservatory and the Eastman School of Music. As assistant principal bass with the Rochester Philharmonic, he played under conductors Leopold Stokowski, Leonard Bernstein, and Fritz Reiner.
He was stationed in Europe With the U.S. Army Band from 1946 to 1948,
touring Japan, the U.S. and Canada. Later he played the Ed Sullivan
Show, and worked with jazz artists Marian McPartland and Chuck Mangione.
In
Florida, he frequently gigged with the late jazz saxophonist Paul Chafin.
Played bass with the Florida Atlantic University Symphony and tuba with
the Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches. Played with Ted Knight's trio at
Erny's, the Delray Beach restaurant and jazz club, in the 1980s,
and played many times with Ted's big band and his Dixie Ramblers.
Above left, at a 2007 concert and dance with Ted's orchestra at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach.
At right, a 2005 Glenn Miller Tribute at the Boynton Beach Civic Center.