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James Zito

New York-based guitarist James Zito has been praised for his masterful touch and soulful melodies, earning him the nickname “The Natural” from Artslife Magazine. Born in Orlando, Florida, Zito’s style is deeply rooted in the influences of jazz greats like Wes Montgomery, Les Paul, and George Benson.

At 29 years old, Zito has already graced many of New York City’s premier jazz venues, including Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Rose Hall, Birdland Theatre, The Django, Minton’s Jazz Club, and The Blue Note. A recent graduate of Juilliard’s prestigious “Artist Diploma” program, he toured NYC and abroad with their elite quintet.

Zito’s notable achievements include winning First Place in the Wilson Center International Guitar Competition and receiving "Special Prize" at the Jarek Smietana International Guitar Competition in Krakow, Poland.

He has performed with esteemed artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Rodney Whitaker, Wycliffe Gordon, Michael Dease, Jane Monheit, and many others.

In 2020, Zito became an endorsing artist for Benedetto Guitars, a leading manufacturer of custom handmade guitars. He recently released his debut album as a leader, Zito’s Jump, in April 2025.

Awards

First Place in the Wilson Center International Guitar Competition

"Special Prize" at the Jarek Smietana International Guitar Competition

Gear

Benedetto Bambino Deluxe 2020

Loren Schoenberg and His Jazz Orchestra: So Many Memories

Read "So Many Memories" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
November 27, 2025

Jazz polymath Loren Schoenberg reverses the hands of time on So Many Memories, unveiling sixteen never-before- recorded charts written by the renowned melodist Eddie Sauter in the late 1930s for the Red Norvo-Mildred Bailey Orchestra. To paint his canvas, Schoenberg enlisted students and recent graduates of New York's Juilliard School of Music to be his orchestra, with guest artist Warren Wolf sitting in on xylophone for Norvo, the jazz world's acknowledged master of that instrument before he moved later in ...

His guitar playing reflects the timeless influence of other guitar masters, but also establishes Zito as his own man, shining brilliantly in the jazz spotlight as an innovative young musician and composer on the rise.”

— Dee Dee McNeil

“Zito commands the instrument with masterful precision”

— Paris Move