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On this episode of the Sounds Visual Radio spinoff series How Deep Is Your Crate, pianist/composer Michael Ragonese phoned in to discuss his newest album “Chasing Calm” and shares some of his favorite records by artists including Brad Mehldau, Wynton Kelly, Sonny Stitt, and more.
Ragonese’s musical philosophy centers on creating music that honestly reflects feeling, striving to exist in the intriguing space between tension and release, complex rhythms, and simple, clear melodies. This approach has led to a conscious and intentional incorporation of classical textures, an idea first explored on Stracci and deepened on his latest album, Chasing Calm. As Ragonese explains, many of the harmonic ideas are rooted in his years of classical study, a strong influence from his Italian and European background. This structural classical foundation is seamlessly woven together with modern jazz elements—improvisation, interplay, and shifting grooves—creating a blend that achieves a crucial balance of structure and freedom.
The distinctive lineup on Chasing Calm includes returning saxophonist Walter Smith III, along with new drummer JK Kim, who brings a “fresh, responsive energy,” and longtime collaborator Luca Alemanno on bass, who provides “depth and sensitivity to every note.” Beyond his performing and touring, Ragonese is a dedicated educator. He founded the Rags School of Music in 2021 and, in 2023, collaborated with Alex Hahn to launch the “Modern Artist” program for high school students. He regularly presents masterclasses at universities nationwide and recently co-founded the Libretto Conservatory with the acclaimed Libretto Jazz Club in California to support college students pursuing professional music careers. Alumni from programs led by Ragonese have achieved placement in top institutions such as the Manhattan School of Music, Berklee College of Music, USC, and NYU, and have received honors from DownBeat Magazine and various national jazz festivals.
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