Jeff Antoniuk & The Mars 4 tet

The MARS 4-tet
” . . . .they ain’t your Grandma’s jazz band.”

49 West is proud to welcome back eclectic jazz super group, the MARS 4-tet. They move effortlessly from the classic jazz of Horace Silver and Herbie Hancock to the pop hits of Gino Vannelli, Peter Gabriel and Led Zeppelin. Get ready for energy, humor and groove. The band features acclaimed recording and performing artists bassist Max Murray, saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk, drummer Frank Russo and guitarist Donato Soveiro.

As a long time member of Afro Bop Alliance, bassist Max Murray shared a Latin Grammy Award and a Grammy nomination for the 2008 album Caribbean Jazz Project with Dave Samuels. The Boston bred musician is a former U.S. Naval Academy Band member.

Saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk has toured many continents since leaving Alberta, Canada and is lauded for his heightened powers on the saxophone. Jazz Times praised his considerable chops while MusikReviews.com described his amazing saxophone playing. He is a recognized master of modern jazz, hard bop and funk.

Drummer Frank Russo enjoyed a long career with the U.S. Naval Academy Band, and has since won critical praise for his work with many jazz greats. His recordings have gained recognition from Downbeat, Jazz Times and Modern Drummer. He has performed at numerous jazz festivals in North America, Asia, and Europe.

Guitarist Donato Soviero has appeared with numerous groups in the US, Europe and the Caribbean. Like his bandmates, he has performed at all the top Washington, D.C. concert venues. 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.