Michael Ragonese

Los Angeles-based jazz pianist and composer Michael Ragonese has become one of the most in-demand voices of his generation, performing, touring, and recording with icons such as Barbra Streisand, Walter Smith III, Ben Wendel, Mark Turner, Dayna Stephens, Charnett Moffett, Bennie Maupin, Dave Binney, and Engelbert Humperdinck. With two acclaimed albums—Day to Day (2019) and Stracci (2023)—Ragonese has established a distinct sound rooted in jazz, classical, and his Italian heritage.

His upcoming third album, Chasing Calm, recorded in January 2025 and set for release on October 10, reunites his powerhouse quartet featuring Walter Smith III, Luca Alemanno, and JK Kim. In support of the release, Ragonese will embark on a full U.S. tour throughout 2025, with a European tour planned for early 2026, booked by Dox Live in the Benelux region. A regular at top jazz clubs nationwide and a featured clinician at universities, Ragonese continues to expand his voice and presence in the modern jazz landscape.