Episode XXII - Justo Almario (Multi-instrumentalist, educator) Season III

Sir Kevin Says

About Justo Almario A native of Colombia, he was born in the Caribbean, in a small town called Sincelejo, and at age 11 went to Medellin, where his parents now lived. The unfolding of his life events and the musical opportunities he was given have been a dream come true. A multi-instrumentalist of the highest caliber: Music Educator, Director, Composer, Arranger, Producer, and Clinician, Justo’s influences include Coltrane, Jobim, Bartok, Debussy, Bach, but most importantly Antonio Maria Penaloza, a Colombian Composer of great significance. Known as “Justico” in his native country, at a very young age, he would frequently be found jamming with local, much older musicians in the streets. At age 16 he was recruited by Composer/Arranger Jose Madrid to travel to the US with the group Cumbia Colombia, to showcase special arrangements of Colombian Folk Music. A few years later while traveling to San Antonio Texas, Justo met Jazz Pianist/Educator Jorge Martinez Zapata who encouraged him to apply for a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, which he was awarded. It was there that Cuban Great Mongo Santamaria heard discoved him, and asked him to join him, where Justo assumed the role of Music Director for the band. While touring with Mongo, Justo met Roy Ayers, a powerful entertainer, who invited him to record on the first of many albums. Roy’s “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” would achieve gold record status, and music is some of the most ‘sampled’ in the history of Hip Hop music to this day. Charles Mingus, Freddie Justo has performed with, recorded, produced, or performed with Charles Mingus, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Burrell, Actor Andy Garcia, Cuban Bassist Cachao, Placido Domingo, and many more artists of great significance. His own compositions are still performed and recorded by some of the biggest names in Jazz today. Since 2009, Justo has been the Saxophone instructor for the UCLA Jazz Studies Program, and continues to play Jazz Festivals, intimate concerts, and Festivals in the US. ______________________________________ Gear used: RØDE Procaster Microphones: https://amzn.to/2TtHeDG RØDE Pop Filter: https://amzn.to/36lSFm2 ______________________________________ FOLLOW ME: http://www.instagram.com/sir_kevinchong WEBSITE: http://www.sirkevinchong.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kevin-michael-chong/support