Armato, John
John Armato Music, 2021, CD
Instrument: Drums
Issue: 27.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 82
O’s Notes: Drummer John Armato is an unusual cat for a drummer. He favors the warm vibe of ballads to the pounding of a jam session, as he explains on “How ‘bout a Ballad?” The Drummer Loves Ballads is his debut album. He assembles a team of 25+ musicians to kindle your fire. The flow of special guest artists starts with Warren Vaché (t) on “Dreamsville”. Lisa Henry (vocals) and Doug Talley (sax) are featured on “At the Trocadero”, Brett Jackson stars on “Night Lights”, Houston Person (sax) and Vaché team up on “Don’t Worry ‘bout Me”, then Rob Gutierrez and the late Molly Hammer sing on “Moonlight”. Armato keeps it light with brief interludes then shows his chops on “Poinciana”. A fine effort that reunited friends to express fine music.
Publicist: Tom Estey
