Joe Lovano: Grammy-Winning Jazz Saxophonist, Blue Note Icon, Berklee Legend & My Cousin #92
Episode Summary
On this special episode of Go With Elmo, Elmo Lovano sits down with his cousin, the legendary jazz saxophonist Joe Lovano, for a heartfelt and revealing conversation. They explore Joe Lovano’s remarkable career journey, from his formative years in a musically-rich Cleveland home to becoming a Grammy-winning, Blue Note recording artist and an influential Berklee educator. Woven through their dialogue are stories about family, personal growth, mentorship, and the universal language of jazz.
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About the Guest: Joe Lovano
Joe Lovano is widely celebrated as one of the most creative and influential saxophonists in modern jazz. With a career spanning decades, he has released over 25 celebrated records on Blue Note, played with legends like Elvin Jones, Woody Herman, and McCoy Tyner, and continues to inspire new generations as a bandleader, collaborator, and educator at Berklee College of Music. His deep Cleveland roots, family legacy, and lifelong dedication to craft have made him a central figure in jazz.
Key Points and Highlights
Deep Family Musical Roots: The Cleveland Years
Joe Lovano’s journey begins in a tight-knit, musically abundant Sicilian-American family in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins who were all active musicians—particularly saxophonists and brass players. His father, Tony “Big T” Lovano, was a prominent saxophonist and bandleader deeply embedded in Cleveland’s jazz scene, exposing Joe to the records, stories, and direct wisdom of jazz greats like Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Stan Getz. Basement jams, barbershop jam sessions, and lively family gatherings provided a captivating and organic introduction to music.
Key Quote:
“If you want to get deep as a musician, you have to know everything. You have to live in the library of the sounds and spirits of the music, the masters to be inspired, to develop, to get yourself together.” – Joe Lovano
Early Development & Courage
Exposed to music everywhere—at home, in the barbershop, at school—Joe Lovano began playing in grade school. By sixth grade, he was already performing in bands with classmates. His father’s approach as a teacher was both hands-on and philosophical, emphasizing sound, feeling, and self-teaching. Early exposure to a wide palette of music, from bebop to Motown, fueled his developing voice and confidence, eventually leading him to gig alongside seasoned musicians as a teenager.
The Importance of Repertoire
From childhood, Joe Lovano was imbued with the value of having a vast repertoire. Knowing tunes, understanding different styles, and being able to “call” music in any key greatly shaped his versatility—an essential quality for any professional jazz musician. His advice to young musicians: deeply study the masters, learn the material, and develop your own sound.
The Importance of Repertoire
From childhood, Joe Lovano was imbued with the value of having a vast repertoire. Knowing tunes, understanding different styles, and being able to “call” music in any key greatly shaped his versatility—an essential quality for any professional jazz musician. His advice to young musicians: deeply study the masters, learn the material, and develop your own sound.
Berklee, Boston, and The NYC Loft Scene
After high school, Joe Lovano attended Berklee College of Music, where he met now-iconic peers like John Scofield, Bill Frisell, and Mike Stern, and was mentored by Gary Burton and Herb Pomeroy. Boston’s vibrant jazz scene provided invaluable opportunities to develop his artistry and network. Returning to Cleveland, he performed at the legendary Smiling Dog Saloon, where legendary artists passed through and local musicians played pivotal roles in the national scene.
Relocating to New York City, Lovano joined the thrilling “loft scene,” collaborating with peers and legends alike. NYC became his creative playground, leading to regular gigs, house sessions in his own loft, and eventual touring and recording with the likes of Woody Herman, Mel Lewis, and Paul Motian.
Signature Collaborations: Mel Lewis, Paul Motian, John Scofield, and More
The 1980s marked a period of prolific collaboration with jazz’s finest. Lovano became a core member of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra (later the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra), Paul Motian’s trio and quintet, Carla Bley’s band, and groups with Elvin Jones, Charlie Haden, and John Scofield. His unique ability to fit into diverse settings and form “inner groups within the group” made him a fixture in the vibrant jazz metropolis.
Blue Note Records and Artistic Freedom
In 1990, Lovano signed with Blue Note Records, where he was granted remarkable artistic latitude: “I ended up having three, seven record consecutive deals. Wow. And put out 25 recordings.” This period saw Lovano expand his sonic palette, leading bands of every size—from trio to nonet to symphonic orchestrations—often breaking new ground with each release, as in his Grammy-winning project 52nd Street Themes.
Mentorship, Legacy, and Impact
A devoted educator at Berklee, Joe Lovano reflects passionately on the importance of guiding and inspiring young musicians. He recounts how he mentored Esperanza Spalding, now a superstar in her own right, and shares the philosophies and practices that keep his creative journey ongoing.
Key Topics:
- Building a life (not just a career) in music
- Embracing versatility and collaboration
- Continuously growing and practicing, even after decades of success
- The power of improvisation, listening, and “breathing” in music
Stories of the Jazz Greats
The episode is rich with anecdotes: learning from Elvin Jones and having him select Lovano for the Jazz Machine; playing alongside Miles Davis and Jack DeJohnette at close range; being part of the vibrant NYC scene with peers who would become legends. Lovano’s humility and gratitude shine through, emphasizing the real magic of sharing the bandstand and creating situations for others, not just himself.
Giving Back and Looking Forward
Lovano discusses establishing a scholarship fund in his father’s name to nurture Cleveland’s next generation of jazz talent, illustrating his deep sense of legacy and community.
Closing Thoughts
This episode of Go With Elmo is a moving, inspiring exploration of what it means to live a life dedicated to music, family, and creativity. It celebrates Joe Lovano’s journey from the heart of a Cleveland family to the world’s most renowned stages, and his continued dedication to both tradition and innovation in jazz. Whether you’re a musician, a fan, or simply someone who loves great stories, this conversation is a treasure trove of wisdom, history, and heart.
Want to support Cleveland’s next great jazz musicians?
Consider donating to the Tony “Big T” Lovano Cleveland Jazz Legacy Scholarship via the Music Settlement.
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Go With Elmo!
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