Jeff Antoniuk and the Jazz Update

“This is a quartet steeped in a 21st century style of hard bop that still values solid melody lines, probing improvisation, and, when called for, sheer beauty.” — George Fendel, Jazzscene
“[The band] delivers energy and excitement from the word go.” – Eric Brewington, JazzBrew
“Antoniuk and his cohorts displayed a finesse that was thrilling to listen to and exciting to watch” — Michael Macey, Chesapeake Music Guide

Since the Jazz Update formed in 2010, with band leader Jeff Antoniuk on saxophone, Wade Beach on piano, Tom Baldwin on bass, and Tony Martucci on drums, they have delighted jazz lovers with their skill and repertoire. These four masters of jazz idioms have displayed creative genius in their interpretations of jazz standards and in their original compositions. They’ll do so again at Twins Jazz in Washington, D.C. on October 17 and 18.

Bandleader Jeff Antoniuk is not satisfied with simply performing standards with verve and finesse: as a long-time jazz educator, he enriches the band’s performances by giving audiences insight into the composers and history behind them. The band’s educational tribute concerts have focused on greats such as Monk, Mingus, and Coltrane. This one highlights tunes associated with Blue Note Records.

Blue Note was established in 1939, deriving its name from the characteristic “blue notes” of jazz and blues. Originally dedicated to recording traditional jazz and small group swing, from 1947 the label began to switch its attention to modern jazz and produced significant recordings of Thelonious Monk, Fats Navarro, and Bud Powell. The Jazz Update will be playing some of the classic “hard bop” music that later defined Blue Note and its artists, along with original compositions from their two critically acclaimed albums, Here Today and Brotherhood.