“His tone is clear as a bell and his compositions display a quiet intelligence that’s refreshing to behold.”
~ Florence Wetzel, All About Jazz
Tenor saxophonist Gian Tornatore has emerged as a prominent voice in the New York City jazz scene. A graduate of the Berklee College of Music, the California native moved to New York City in 2002 and has made a name for himself as an exciting and dynamic performer, composer, and educator.
“A rising young star in the jazz world.”
~ Edward Blanco, eJazzNews
Gian (pronounced John) has recorded for record label Fresh Sound New Talent and has released four albums as a leader: Sink or Swim (2003), Blackout (2005), Fall (2008), and The Heights (2012). He credits Joe Lovano, Branford Marsalis, Pat Metheny, Joshua Redman, and Sonny Rollins as his most notable influences in shaping his voice as a musician.
“A new standard of excellence for my ears.”
~ Damian Erskine, Bass Musician Magazine
Gian has performed with some of the world’s leading jazz, Latin, and rock musicians and groups including Dick Oatts, Geoffrey Keezer, Rodney Whitaker, Carl Allen, Chuchito Valdez, and Heart, to name a few. Gian has also been recognized by numerous organizations and publications, such as Downbeat Magazine for his musical achievements as a bandleader, composer, and performer, and by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz as a semi-finalist in the 2008 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in education at Teachers College, Columbia University.
“…He’s swimming with Coltrane.”
~ Tom Hull, Village Voice
cdbaby
