Podcast - Gino Amato
David Fogel Interviews Composer and Pianist Gino Amato
Gino Amato is a highly accomplished pianist, arranger, orchestrator, and composer with a professional music career spanning over four decades. Since 1980, he has worked as a professional musician, pianist, and keyboardist, serving as musical director, arranger, and keyboardist for the acclaimed Steely Dan tribute band The Royal Scam, which has earned praise for its precision and authenticity in capturing the sophisticated sound of Steely Dan. He previously worked as a staff arranger for Deep Diner Studios in New York City and has performed extensively with top 40, jazz, salsa, and wedding bands, as well as in studio sessions. Amato has contributed notable arrangements and orchestrations for prominent artists and ensembles including Sonora Poncena, Steve Tyrell, B.J. Thomas, Oscar Hernández, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Michael Feinstein, Paquito D’Rivera, and the Palm Springs Symphony. He is a member of the Recording Academy (Grammy Academy) since 2021, ASCAP, ASMAC, and Local 248 of the Musicians’ Union.
Amato’s recent work highlights his mastery of blending Latin, jazz, and classical influences. He arranged and co-produced the album Latin Crossroads (Ovation Records, 2024) and its sequel Latin Crossroads II (co-produced with four-time Grammy-winning pianist/bandleader Oscar Hernández), featuring stellar collaborators such as Randy Brecker, Janis Siegel, Veronica Swift, Kandace Springs, Joe Locke, LouMarini, Kings Return, and many others. His arrangements appear on tracks like “Round Midnight” with Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and he was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic to orchestrate several pieces—including Danzón for My Father, Mambo 2021, Mi Gente, Las Calles, and La Banda—for their historic 2026 concerts with Spanish Harlem Orchestra led by Gustavo Dudamel. These projects showcase Amato’s distinctive ability to reimagine standards and popular songs through a fresh Latin jazz lens.
Amato continues to create sophisticated, emotionally resonant music that appeals to connoisseurs and broad audiences alike.
Please enjoy this long-format conversation between David Fogel (CEO, The Symphonina Foundation) and Gino.