JEFF ANTONUIK & THE JAZZ UPDATE – 9PM & 11PM

“A quartet to be reckoned with”

_ Doug Morrissey, MusikReviews.com

“A boldly affirmative statement regarding the health and well being of modern jazz in the early 21st century.”

_ Dave Wayne, Jazz Review.com 

Jeff Antoniuk & the Jazz Update return to Twins Jazz with a decade of celebrated concerts and recordings behind them. Known for inventive originals and peerlessly executed staples, they have further endeared listeners with extraordinary theme concerts plumbing the depths of the jazz canon. In this concert, they’ll delve into the 1960’s and 70’s post-bop sound – a style many listeners might call “real jazz. ”

Hear them take on elements of Blue Note artists like Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, Art Blakey and Wayne Shorter. These are the spiritual godfathers of the band, and it shows on their two critically acclaimed recordings, Here Today and Brotherhood. The band will deliver thrilling  “new” post bop with compelling arrangements, shifting time signatures and interesting colors and harmonies, and they promise to come out SWINGING! The program will also feature freshly minted originals by saxophonist Antoniuk and bassist Tom Baldwin.

Antoniuk has been lauded for both his four-carat compositions and heightened powers on the saxophone. Bill Milkowski of Jazz Times noted his “considerable chops” while Doug Morrissey of MusikReviews.com praised his “amazing saxophone playing.” Canadian Audiophile’s Jordan Richardson says, “His sense of the global world of jazz is present with every note.” Antoniuk earned a master’s degree in jazz performance and West African ethnomusicology from the University of North Texas.

Antoniuk and his bandmates have played numerous jazz festivals around the world and are deeply respected performers, educators and recording artists whose influence radiates for beyond their Washington, DC base.

Bassist Tom Baldwin has backed many modern jazz greats such as James Moody, George Garzone and Eric Alexander. The tasteful, articulate and inspired bassist teaches at the University of Maryland.

Phenomenal pianist Wade Beach is known for his harmonic sophistication and superb technique, which knows no stylistic limitations. He holds master’s degree in classical piano performance from the University of Maryland and toured the globe many times with the Airmen of Note. Beach is on the faculty of George Mason University.

Drummer Tony Martucci has played and recorded with giants from almost every period of jazz, including Mose Allison, Joe Henderson and SonnyStitt. He teaches at Virginia Commonwealth University. Jazz Times calls Martucci “an exciting yet sensitive player with chops, taste.”

”Solid melody lines, probing improvisation, and, when called for, sheer beauty.”

_ George Fendel, Jazzscene

“The fact that Antoniuk and his quartet are an actively-gigging, road-tested unit is no small factor in their artistic success.” _ Dave Wayne, Jazz Review