John Armato, Drummer

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 ithroughout Northern California. Follow Armato on Facebook and Twitter. Read his full bio ...

Saturday

Aug142010

Helping my friend Niffer "kickstart" an album

Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 8:04PM

I jumped on board when Niffer Clarke launched her "Kickstarter" project to fund a CD she's planning called "Beyond the Ingenue" in tribute to Julie Andrews, Shirley Jones, and Barbara Cook. I'm sharing the news because I think this is a terrific platform for other musicians to know about, AND because if you've ever wanted to feel like an impressario, this is a great chance to make something beautiful happen. The musicianship on this recording is going to be world class.

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John Armato |

Meeting Vic Firth

Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 8:21PM

As a member of the Board of Trustees of VanderCook College of Music, as well as a drummer, I was especially proud that the college presented an honorary degree to Vic Firth July 31, 2010 during its graduate commencement. Firth was timpanist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (and Pops) for 50 years and is the founder of the world's largest drum stick company.