Gino Amato is a classically trained pianist, arranger, and composer with a career spanning Latin music and jazz. He studied with notable arrangers Jim McNeely and Don Sebesky, and went on to write arrangements for big bands and Latin ensembles. During his career, Amato gained experience performing with the legendary Puerto Rican salsa band La Sonora Ponceña alongside pianist Papo Lucca. He also founded the Steely Dan tribute group Royal Scam.
In 2024, Amato released his debut album as a leader, Latin Crossroads, on Ovation Records. Co-produced by Grammy Award-winning pianist Oscar Hernández, the album featured a lineup of guest musicians including Randy Brecker, Joe Locke, Will Lee, and vocalist Janis Siegel, blending elements of Latin jazz and traditional songwriting.
Amato quickly followed his debut with the 2025 single I Only Have Eyes for You and his sophomore album, Latin Crossroads 2. This record continued his exploration of Latin jazz and vocal jazz, featuring collaborations with vocalists and instrumentalists such as Kandace Springs, Matt Cusson, and Laurence Patz Suarez, along with returning trumpeter Randy Brecker.
