Armando Luongo is an accomplished jazz drummer from Italy who now calls Belgium home.
He started out learning classical percussion and eventually earned a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Music from the “L. Refice” Conservatory of Frosinone in 2010.
Later, he went on to get his Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from the well-respected Koninklijk Conservatorium of Den Haag (Holland) in 2012, where he learned from top Dutch jazz master Eric Ineke, along with other renowned jazz musicians such as John Ruocco, Joost Patocka, and Stefan Kruger.
In 2009, Armando was awarded a scholarship to study at the Conservatoire Royal of Bruxelles (Belgium), where he had the chance to train under the guidance of the renowned Belgian drummer Bruno Castellucci. During this time, he also collaborated with notable jazz figures such as Bob Mover (USA), Dmitry Baevsky (Russia), Frank Vaganée, Bert Joris, and Steve Houben, among others. Armando’s talent has earned him several awards over the years.
He won the Jury prize with CCFM at the “Antonio Barezzi Live 2008” contest in Italy and took home first prizes at events like the “European Jazz Contest 2009” in Rome and the “Dinant Jazz Night 2010” in Belgium.
His ensemble, the Unespected 4, even claimed the top spot at the latter competition. Armando was also recognized for his skills when he and the Filippo Bianchini Quartet secured second place at the “Jimmy Woode European Jazz Award 2012,” with Armando himself winning the “Best Drums Player Prize.”
Beyond formal education and competitions, Armando is dedicated to perfecting his craft. He often travels to New York to soak up the city’s lively jazz scene, collaborating with musicians from all walks of life and learning from mentors like Kenny Washington (USA), Greg Hutchinson (USA), Ari Hoenig (USA), and Jeff Ballard (USA).
He is now performing regularly with Dmitry Baevsky Quartet, Champian Fulton Trio, Defoort/Da Costa Quartet, Toine Thys Trio, Filippo Bianchini Quartet, Federico Milone Quartet, Matteo Pastorino Lightside, Ipocontrio, “New Lands”.
Armando Luongo is endorsed by Canopus drums
