Justo Almario

Justo Almario is a renowned Colombian-born musician, celebrated for his mastery of the saxophone, flute, and clarinet. Born on February 18, 1949, in Sincelejo, Colombia, Almario grew up in a musical environment and began playing instruments at a young age. He studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where he was discovered by Mongo Santamaria, leading to a stint as the band's musical director. Almario's career is marked by a fusion of Latin, Afro-Cuban, South American, funk, and jazz styles, reflecting his diverse musical influences, including John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderly, and Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Almario has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Freddie Hubbard, Roy Ayers, George Duke, Tito Puente, and Linda Ronstadt. His work has been featured in Grammy-winning projects such as Andrae Crouch's "Mercy" and Israel "Cachao" Lopez's "Master Sessions." Additionally, his performances have appeared on soundtracks for films like "Happy Feet" and "Sideways." As an educator, Almario has taught at various institutions, including Cal State Los Angeles and UCLA, where he currently instructs in the Jazz Studies Program. His discography includes albums like "Interlude" and "Love Thy Neighbor," showcasing his versatility as a composer and performer.