bassist Max Murray, guitarist Donato Soveiro, drummer Frank Russo and saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk
The region’s newest fusion super group is the MARS 4-tet. The band creates a whole new sound, effortlessly moving between classics from jazz royalty such as Horace Silver and Herbie Hancock, to pop hits by Peter Gabriel and Led Zeppelin. 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 USNA Band, the Boston bred bassist has spent decades flying to far off gigs to play with the likes of Mose Allison, Gene Bertoncini and Poncho Sanchez.
Saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk has toured many continents since leaving Alberta Canada and is lauded for his four-carat compositions and heightened powers on the saxophone. 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 Bobbie McFerrin, with Canadian pop icon David Foster and trumpet phenomenon Ingrid Jensen. He has gigged everywhere from The White House to Las Vegas. This master of modern jazz and hard bop is also a formidable fusion player.
Drummer Frank Russo enjoyed a long career with the USNA Band, and has since won acclaim for his work with Keter Betts, Jeff Coffin, Ethel Ennis, George Garzone and Tim Hagans. His recordings have been praised in Downbeat, Jazz Times and Modern Drummer. He has performed at numerous jazz festivals in North America, Asia, and Europe.
Gifted guitarist Donato Soviero has appeared in the US, Europe and the Caribbean. Like his bandmates, he has performed at 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 ain't your grandma's jazz band. Be ready for some energy, humor and groove with this guitar and sax based group.
