Justo Almario
Multitalented master wind player, composer, arranger and vocal percussionist - Justo Almario has a long list of distinguished accomplishments. A native of Colombia, Mr. Almario went from child protégé to virtuoso. He studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music before working with Mongo Santamaria as the band’s musical director. He has also taught at the Henry Mancini Institute and has mentored inner city youth during workshops at the World Stage.
Mr. Almario’s mesmerizing sounds have been heard in many award winning works from artists like Jennifer Lopez, Linda Ronstad, Placido Domingo, Luis Miguel, Andy Garcia, Queen Latifah, Andrae Crouch, Isreal Lopez Cachao, Terrence Blanchard, John Powell, Ron Kenoly, Patrice Rushen, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Ayers, Diane Reeves, George Duke, Sergio Mendes, Billy Higgins, Tito Puente, Machito, Dave Grusin, Ndugu Chancler, Kenny Burrell, Master P, Bebe Winans, Charles Mingus, Chaka Kahn, Herb Alpert and many others. Mr. Almario’s stellar career was recently celebrated during a segment of “Stories,” a comprehensive oral history series that chronicles the evolution of jazz, at the legendary drummer Billy Higgins’ World Stage. Currently, Mr. Almario is working on an album that is meant to celebrate his tenured career spanning 45 years in the industry.
Justo's life and creativity serves as a bridge that links backgrounds, cultures, ages, and socioeconomic status. A devoted family man, Justo’s spiritual path nurtures both his creative journey and his warm compassion as a human being.
