Hybrid Jazz From Trish Hennessey - with Jeff Antoniuk!

In another lifetime, I was hosting a terrestrial radio show - and playing a plethora of artists that were centered in the Baltimore/DC area. One of those was recommended to me QUITE strongly.  A beloved friend, Johnny Shaw, was attending Towson University.  And a teacher there stood out.  Jeff Antoniuk.  Johnny, being a saxophonist himself, recognized the greatness in another sax man.  And HAD to get a CD to me.  When I listened to that project, "Here Today", I was beyond impressed with the depth of work and feeling.  Jeff was playing with his group, The Jazz Update, and they were COOKING!

That's the reason for Jeff's return visit to "Hybrid Jazz."  He has a big event at An die Musik in Baltimore this weekend - with The Jazz Update - and it was important to pass along how cool June 20th is going to be :)

Jeff's roots are different than the average cat.  He was born in Edmonton, Canada, and his family moved to Nigeria.  There, Jeff's musical journey began.  He absorbed his environment while learning how to play classical piano.  In his teens, he returned to Canada and picked up a saxophone.  

At the University of North Texas, Jeff pursued degrees in Jazz education and West African Ethnomusicology.  In school, he was performing and touring.  He co-founded the United Jazz Ensemble - his current group later - and is still a member of a fabulous unit that we featured the last time that Jeff visited: the Mars 4-tet.  

His accolades as music educator are equal to the respect that he has received as musician, composer and performer. MANY students can attest to the life-changing classes that Jeff has given.  His artistic direction for the Maryland Summer Jazz is legendary.  We literally could write another five minutes on what our guest has done!

Please welcome Jeff on 6/18 :-D