Australian-born clarinetist Adrian Galante is set to captivate jazz audiences worldwide with his debut album, Introducing Adrian Galante (Zoho Music), releasing on April 25. The 28-year-old talent joins an exceptional Los Angeles-based quintet featuring pianist Tamir Hendelman, guitarist Larry Koonse, bassist Alex Frank, and drummer Joe LaBarbera, on a collection of eight timeless pieces from the Great American Songbook.
Despite the clarinet being a less commonly featured instrument in modern jazz, Galante has embraced its most influential voices and combined them with his own unique approach. Drawing inspiration from the jazz vocal tradition, Galante likens his intimate clarinet sound to how Bing Crosby revolutionized vocal delivery. "I remember hearing Tony Bennett talk about how Crosby’s closeness to the microphone created a more intimate sound," Galante explains. "I like to approach the clarinet in the same way."
This connection to vocal intimacy shines through in his music, where he masterfully navigates a wide emotional range. As music critic Will Friedwald points out in the album’s liner notes, “When most musicians play a song, they’re content to play only the music. Adrian, however, plays the whole song.”
Galante’s deep understanding of his instrument is evident in his renditions of classic jazz songs. On tracks like Cy Coleman and David Zippel’s “With Every Breath I Take,” he brings a touch of melancholy, while his version of Cole Porter’s “It’s Alright with Me” showcases his haunting tone. He also brings a unique twist to Mancini and Bricusse’s “Two for the Road,” using his clarinet to evoke a sense of romance and adventure, while his version of “You’re All the World to Me” showcases his ability to swing with a vibrant and bold edge.
It’s rare to encounter a new jazz musician with such a distinct and fully developed voice—particularly on an instrument like the clarinet. Introducing Adrian Galante marks a promising beginning for a bright future in jazz, earning a place in collections of discerning listeners.
Born in Perth, Western Australia, on October 24, 1996, Galante was raised in a classical music family, with a grandfather who was an opera singer. Though his parents loved pop music, it was jazz’s lively rhythms that caught his attention early on. At age seven, Galante was drawn to the clarinet and started lessons. By 15, he was already performing professionally.
Galante’s musical journey led him to the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, where his studies eventually took him to New York University’s summer program. In 2022, he made the permanent move to New York, seeking to further his jazz career in the heart of the genre’s scene.
In August 2022, Galante performed with Tamir Hendelman in Seattle, leading to further collaboration. Hendelman recruited top Los Angeles musicians Larry Koonse, Alex Frank, and Joe LaBarbera to join Galante in recording his debut album, with Galante serving as producer.
The result is Introducing Adrian Galante, a stunning introduction to what promises to be a remarkable career for this young clarinetist. To celebrate the album release, Galante will perform at Birdland in New York City on Sunday, June 1, at 5:30 PM.
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