Joe Lovano is an American jazz saxophonist of Sicilian origin and the son of Tony 'Big T' Lovano who was responsible for teaching his son the elements of stagecraft and musicianship. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on 29 December 1952, Joseph Salvatore Lovano began playing alto sax from a young age before eventually settling on the tenor sax as his primary instrument. In addition to the saxophone he also plays flute, clarinet and drums. During the early stages of his career he played with artists such as Woodie Herman, Mel Lewis and Lonnie Smith. As a bandleader he has recorded thirty albums with his 1994's Quartets: Live at Village Vanguard and his Grammy Award-winning 52nd Street Themes being amongst the most highly regarded by jazz enthusiasts. As well as his own material he has been closely associated with the late Paul Motian with whom he played for many years, recording 17 albums with the highly respected drummer and bandleader. Joe Lovano formed several bands, including a quartet, a quintet, a nonet, the Joe Lovano Us Five and the Joe Lovano Ensemble. He has been part of bands such as Saxophone Summiet, SFJazz Collective, Masada Quintet, Scolohofo, The Liberation Music Orchestra, The Kaleidoscope Quintet, Sound Prints, and Trio Tapestry. In 2025, he formed the Joe Lovano's Paramount Quartet with Julian Lage, Asante Santi Debriano, and Will Calhoun. The band released an eponymous album on May 2026.
