Spilata is a New York City–based jazz vocalist, composer, educator, and cultural force redefining tradition for a new generation. A Bessie Award winner, he has become a defining presence in the city’s jazz landscape, performing and holding residencies at iconic venues including Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Birdland, Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, and the legendary Minton’s Playhouse. He has performed at Lincoln Center and on many occasions in concerts at Jazz at Lincoln Center, further solidifying his reputation as one of the city’s most compelling and commanding voices.
Internationally acclaimed, Spilata has brought his sound abroad to celebrated venues such as PizzaExpress Jazz Club Soho, Sunside Sunset, and Sala Clamores, with additional performances spanning from Seoul, South Korea to Wellington, New Zealand.
A respected leader in arts education and musical direction, Spilata served as Music Director for the Joyce Theater run of The Jazz Continuum at The Joyce Theater. He is an Adjunct Professor at Long Island University and Borough of Manhattan Community College, and serves as Director of the High School Jazz Academy at Jazz at Lincoln Center, mentoring the next generation while honoring the music’s lineage.
Stepping boldly into the singer-songwriter space with the release of his new single, “The Cuntiest,” Spilata signals a fearless evolution—blending jazz sophistication with contemporary edge and unapologetic individuality. Holding the torch of the past while pushing sound forward, he bridges classic jazz tradition with modern storytelling. Whether commanding the bandstand, shaping young musicians, or releasing new music, Spilata brings sophistication, soul, and undeniable presence—inviting audiences everywhere to experience, embrace, and celebrate the music.