Anthony Taddeo

Cleveland-based drummer Anthony Taddeo has established himself as a versatile and passionate musician dedicated to creating accessible, engaging music that connects people from all walks of life. Whether supporting renowned artists as a sideman or leading his own innovative projects, Taddeo consistently demonstrates his commitment to igniting audiences' relationships with live performance.

As a highly sought-after sideman, Taddeo has had the privilege of performing with an impressive roster of musicians including jazz legends Frank Wess and Ron McClure, acclaimed saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio, and rising star Camila Meza. His ability to adapt his playing style to serve the music while maintaining his distinctive voice has made him an integral member of Cleveland's vibrant jazz and improvised music scene.

Taddeo's leadership as a bandleader is evident through his diverse array of projects, including Alla Boara, ALbaTrio, TMT Trio, and his solo work featured on "Self-Portraits" (2018). Each project showcases different facets of his musical personality, from his exploration of Italian folk traditions with Alla Boara to the intimate chamber jazz of ALbaTrio and the experimental sounds of TMT Trio.

His prolific recording career spans over a decade, with appearances on more than 30 albums. Recent releases include Alla Boara's "Work & Song" (2024) and "Le Tre Sorelle" (2022), demonstrating his continued evolution as both a performer and artistic collaborator. His discography reflects his versatility, ranging from jazz recordings with Chris Coles and Dan Bruce's :beta Collective to folk and indie projects with artists like Hey Mavis and Helen Welch.

Taddeo's musical journey has taken him to prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, including performances at Birdland and Blue Note in New York City, the Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and Ciclo De Jazz 1906 in Spain. Notable domestic performances include appearances at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Tri-C Jazz Fest, and Mountain Stage in Charleston.

His educational background reflects his commitment to musical excellence and continuous growth. Taddeo earned an MFA in Composition from Youngstown State University and a BFA in Music Performance from the New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music, where he studied with legendary musicians Jimmy Cobb, Reggie Workman, and Amir Ziv. His studies abroad in Italy with Bruno Spagna further expanded his musical horizons and influenced his work with Alla Boara.

As an enthusiastic educator, Taddeo serves as co-director of the JazzFest Academy Saturday Morning Program and works as a percussion instructor at both Tri-C Jazz Fest Camp and the Jazz Prep Program. His teaching philosophy emphasizes accessibility and engagement, mirroring his approach to performance. He has also served in various musical director roles, including positions at Salt Space and Gallery Church.

Beyond traditional jazz and improvised music, Taddeo has made significant contributions to film and media, composing scores for "Making Montgomery Clift" (2018) and "Life Leaf" (2017), among other projects. This work demonstrates his ability to create evocative soundscapes that enhance visual storytelling.

Currently endorsed by Byrne Cymbals and Out of the Drawer Percussion, Taddeo continues to push musical boundaries while remaining rooted in the traditions that have shaped his artistic development. His numerous awards, including the Diversity of Scholarship award from YSU and the Jazz Merit Scholarship from The New School, recognize both his artistic achievements and his commitment to musical excellence.