Music Composer:
John Bagnato spent his childhood absorbing nature’s
music in the peace, beauty, and rhythm of the Laurel
Mountains where he was raised. He then studied and played
with Don Cherry at the Naropa Institute when he was 18;
learning the sacred and universal freedom of expression that
has become the foundation of Bagnato’s music.
From there he moved to New York City and received his
BM from Manhattan School of Music, and spent the
following decade in New Orleans playing constantly in that
vibrant city and touring and recording with Donald
Harrison, Bill Summers, John Boutte, and Mario Adnet, a
wonderful Brazilian composer and arranger for A. C. Jobim.
While there he received his MM from University of New
Orleans, where he studied with Terence Blanchard.
His touring experience has led to his rich musical palette
influenced by Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica and South Africa. He has
performed with Busta Rhymes, Wu Tang Clan, Musiq,
Zhane, India.Arie; as well as young jazzmen Ryan Kisor, Eric
Harland, Stefon Harris, Bill McHenry, Nicholas Payton,
John Ellis, and Christian Scott.He also played with and been encouraged by the great Shirley Horn and Rosa Passos, both of whom are major influences on Bagnato.
John Bagnato’s eclectic amalgamation of musical influence and understanding elevates any piece of work. Whether dramatic or comic; orchestral or single instrument, his sensibility brings a fresh and new sound. A lifelong friend and recent collaborator with Luis Robledo, John brings new life to Kooldex Productions with each project he scores. Bagnato is currently performing in Atlanta and composing and scoring music of his own, as well as for theater and film, in his studio.