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John Armato

A Kansas City native, New York City ex-pat, and now Sacramento resident, John Armato appears on releases by Tom Giovagnoli, Peter Petty, Tony Underwood, Claudette Stone, and Lisa Bloecher. "The Drummer Loves Ballads" is his first release as leader.

Armato came up as a sideman in Kansas City in the 80s and 90s working with local society bands and jazz leaders as well as backing touring acts and “ghost bands” such as The Ink Spots, The Platters, and The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. He was also a member of the Kansas City Chief's "Pack Band." Relocating to New York and then Sacramento brought Armato new opportunities to work with jazz artists such as tenor saxophonist Bob Kindred, vocalist Anne Phillips, cornet legend Warren Vache; and smooth jazz headliners such as Paul Brown, Darren Rahn, Steve Oliver, and Spencer Day. In recent years he has traveled Northern California with the Dean-O-Holics Rat Pack tribute show.

Armato has had parallel careers as a communications executive and creative strategist as well as a musician. "The Drummer Loves Ballads" combines his talents as a jazz drummer with his skills as a writer, designer, and speaker to create a uniquely personal project.

Gear

Gretsch and Yamaha drums. Zildjian, Paiste, and Meinl cymbals. Vic Firth sticks.

Gerry Gibbs, Billy Test & John Armato

by Joe Dimino
November 28, 2021

From a musician whose album is making waves, we kick of this episode with Kansas City drummer John Armato and a track from his 2021 release The Drummer Loves Ballads. From there, it's Brother Malcom via Christian McBride from his album Relief, Gerry Gibbs and a song from his Songs From My Father (with Chick Corea). We spin other artists with new releases including Billy Test, Alex Norris, Joel Frahm and Peter Kater. Dig this episode, my friends.

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Take Five With...

Take Five With John Armato

by AAJ Staff
November 29, 2009

Meet John Armato:For 25 years John Armato has played jazz and commercial music in Kansas City, New York City, and now, Northern California.From concerts and shows to night clubs and private parties, from recording sessions and Russian tours to polka festivals and police circuses, from river boats and churches to--of course--weddings and bar mitzvahs, he's been there and played that.Known for his taste and sensitivity on ballads as well as his strong sense of ...

“Your new CD is fantastic! It’s a thing of beauty!”

Paul Keller
Diana Krall recording and touring bassist

"Each song is a beautiful experience. … This is an album you’ll play over and over for its breadth of talent."

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Basketball legend, writer, and jazz aficionado

“John Armato’s new album is a gem. Get it. It’s tasty, soulful, straight-ahead jazz. It’s sultry, it’s playful, it’s melodic; and it swings.”