In Cleveland, Lovano's father exposed him to jazz throughout his early life, teaching him the standards, as well as how to lead a gig, pace a set, and be versatile enough to find work.

He spent three years with the Woody Herman orchestra, then moved to New York City, where he played with the big band of Mel Lewis.

[7] Many outstanding releases followed, including the highly diverse Rush Hour (tracks range from solo to big band), collaborations with saxophonists Joshua Redman (Tenor Legacy) and Greg Osby (Friendly Fire), 52nd Street Themes (with a nonet), and four albums featuring the classic pianist Hank Jones.

In 2008 Lovano formed the quintet Us Five with Esperanza Spalding on bass, pianist James Weidman, and two drummers, Francisco Mela and Otis Brown III.

Peter Slavov replaced Esperanza Spalding on six tracks, all of them written by Lovano except for "Star Crossed Lovers" by Billy Strayhorn.

"[10][11] In recent years Lovano has released three records with trumpeter Dave Douglas in a co-led group called Sound Prints.

[15] With Dave Douglas With James Emery, Judi Silvano and Drew Gress With Jim Hall, George Mraz, and Lewis Nash With Hank Jones With Benjamin Koppel With Greg Osby With Gonzalo Rubalcaba With Enrico Rava With Marcin Wasilewski Trio Saxophone Summit (with Michael Brecker, Dave Liebman) ScoLoHoFo (with John Scofield, Dave Holland, Al Foster) SFJAZZ Collective With John Abercrombie With Marc Johnson With Paul Motian With John Scofield With Steve Slagle With Lonnie Smith With Bill Stewart With Roseanna Vitro With Yōsuke Yamashita With others