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 swing, Armato is in his  element on standards, straight-ahead jazz, Basie-style big band charts, and light Latin styles.

Armato is based in Sacramento and is available for gigs in the Northern California region.

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NEW: "Claudette" by wonderful jazz singer Claudette Stone is now available on CD Baby. If you like standards, light Latin, and ballads, you should like this very much. Click over to CD Baby to preview. (Or go here to hear a few select cuts in their entirety.) While you're there, read the liner notes for an interesting story about how the recording grew. Unlike most recordings, drums (yours truly) were added last. Matching tempos was a challenge, but I'm pleased with the result. You can read more about my thoughts on the session on my blog.

NEW: Read the "Take Five" interview with me on All ABout Jazz.