Twins Jazz in the U Street jazz district hosts the region’s new fusion super group, the MARS 4-tet, on April 13 and 14. The group features acclaimed recording and performing artists Max Murray, Jeff Antoniuk, Frank Russo and Donato Soveiro.
As a long time member of Afro Bop Alliance, bassist Max Murray shared a Latin Grammy Award and Grammy nomination for the 2008 album Caribbean Jazz Project with Dave Samuels. Formerly a career musician with the prestigious US Naval Academy Band, the Boston bred bass man has spent decades flying to far off gigs to play with the likes of Mose Allison, Gene Bertoncini, Donny McCaslin and Poncho Sanchez. ...
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Twins Jazz in the U Street jazz district hosts the region’s new fusion super group, the MARS 4-tet, on April 13 and 14. The group features acclaimed recording and performing artists Max Murray, Jeff Antoniuk, Frank Russo and Donato Soveiro.
As a long time member of Afro Bop Alliance, bassist Max Murray shared a Latin Grammy Award and Grammy nomination for the 2008 album Caribbean Jazz Project with Dave Samuels. Formerly a career musician with the prestigious US Naval Academy Band, the Boston bred bass man has spent decades flying to far off gigs to play with the likes of Mose Allison, Gene Bertoncini, Donny McCaslin and Poncho Sanchez.
Saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk has toured many continents since leaving Alberta Canada. Lauded for his four-carat compositions and heightened powers on the saxophone, he has won acclaim from fans and critics. Jazz Times praised his “considerable chops” while MusikReviews.com described his “amazing saxophone playing.” He has worked with American greats Ray Charles, Natalie Cole and Bobby McFerrin and performed with Canadian pop icon David Foster and trumpet phenomenon Ingrid Jensen. Stateside he has gigged everywhere from The White House to Las Vegas. Known as a master of modern jazz and hard bop aficionado, Antoniuk is excited about this new vehicle for jazz and jazz-fusion.
Drummer Frank Russo enjoyed a long career with the US Naval Academy Band, and has since won much critical praise for his work with Dave Ballou, Keter Betts, Jeff Coffin, John D’earth, Ethel Ennis, George Garzone and Tim Hagans, among others. Frank’s recordings have gained recognition from Downbeat, Jazz Times and Modern Drummer. He has performed at numerous jazz festivals in North America, Asia, and Europe.
The roots of gifted guitarist Donato Soviero lie in mainstream jazz (he counts Joe Pass, Howard Roberts, and Emily Remler among his teachers., but his playing shows varied influences. He has appeared with numerous groups in the US, Europe and the Caribbean. Like his bandmates, he has performed at local venues such as the Kennedy Center, Blues Alley and One Step Down. He has also accompanied other top flight artists at Wolftrap, the Convention Center and RFK Stadium. Tom Cole, host of WPFW’S “G Strings” said “Donato's beautiful phrasing and impressive improvising took me aback. He’s one of those real surprises.”
The MARS 4-tet creates a whole new sound on the scene. Effortlessly traversing between classic jazz from jazz royalty such as Horace Silver and Herbie Hancock, to pop hits from The Beatles, Peter Gabriel and Led Zeppelin, The MARS 4 tet ain't your grandma's jazz band. Be ready for some energy, humor and groove with this group.
Twins Jazz is located at 1344 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009. Shows are at 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Admission is $15. Reservations are strongly recommended. A sellout is anticipated. Visit http://www.twinsjazz.com to reserve a seat.
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