One of the gems on this beautiful album is “Shadows of Paris,” whose evocative arrangement serves as the perfect setting for the jewel that is Lucy Wijnands. Her world-wise delivery belies her youth, as it always does. I will look forward to following her career, certain to be long, and certain to touch many in the heart.

What a joy to hear your treatment of these beautiful tunes. It’s apparent that you love them. From your very tasty brushwork to the swinging band — including some of my favorite jazz legends — it’s a wonderful CD that I look forward to hearing again and again. (And I love your drum solo on the intro.)

What a sweet, sweet, beautiful album. It’s just what we need to hear today!

John Armato’s album, “The Drummer Loves Ballads,” is a breath of fresh air in a world where drummer-led albums have the tendency to be wall-to-wall, flashy displays of technique and mathematical acrobatics. It’s so nice to listen to John lead from the drums in an understated, beautifully swinging fashion.

Oh, for the love of brushes! This is a perfect album for a romantic Saturday night and bottle of nice red wine.  Stellar concept for an album, and beautifully executed.

The Drummer Loves Ballads is a musical reminder of what’s really important; it’s like a collection of musical short stories about human relationships, each distinct yet related. I’ll bet you can’t listen to just one.

The world needs to hear this album!

Who knew John Armato loved ballads? But I love that you did, and it brought out the best in you and I think the rest of us. It was so wonderful to be part of such a creative and unique project! I wish we were going back in the studio tomorrow to see what happens next!

From the first listen, this record feels like a reunion with an old friend. It’s like rediscovering a classic album in your record collection, remembering the beauty of the music, and reliving warm memories of times gone by.

It was almost like a musical with different acts, all coming together to tell one cohesive story. I think that’s why I listened to it all in one sitting.

This album is relaxing and enjoyable. All the instrumentals and vocals are absolutely top-notch. I’ve listened to the album from beginning to end again and again, and my overwhelming response is always the same: It’s simply delightful.

This is an EXCELLENT album! I truly dug everything about it – the concept, the variety, the spoken-word interludes, the playing. It is something really special.

This is a beautiful collection beautifully rendered but you know what really stood out to me? Your spoken-word interludes. They were a lovely insight into the ballad-loving drummer. And your drumming is so damned tasteful! It’s no wonder you love ballads; you actually feel them!  

The interludes are pure genius, the most unique element to any album project I have ever heard and so incredibly heartfelt.

Lucy Wijnand’s voice is so effortless and pure. So innocent yet confident. She, on “The Shadows of Paris,” along with Lynn Zimmer on “Memories of You,” coupled with Armato’s interlude commentary alone make the album worth having.

I am so happy to be a part of Armato’s project and hear the talents of so many great musicians like himself. Dreamsville is one of my favorite songs, so I was glad to hear that one of Mancini’s best was part of the project — not to mention how Warren floats over the tune with such ease!

It was a thrill to work with the two legendary horn players, Warren Vaché and Houston Person, and the wonderful Anne Phillips. Consummate professionals playing real instruments, what a concept!

I’ve known John for a long time – and have even worked on some musical projects with him – and believe me, he doesn’t just play. He finds, feels, discovers, interprets AND inhabits each of the great tunes on this album.

This is a great collection of songs and a phenomenal snapshot of some of Kansas City’s best players.

“Let it be known that I think your new CD is fantastic! It’s a thing of beauty! Really. It’s so nice to hear your relaxed and mature musical subtleties and swinging percussive sensibilities. They enhance every performance on this CD! You are terrific!”