Antonio Hart “is a disciplined and committed musician with the courage to take the creative risks that allow him to freely explore his imagination; his standard of excellent is an example to all who work with him.” - Dave Holland

Antonio Hart, one of the leading saxophonists of his generation, will be performing with a hand-picked quartet of New York-based musicians on Saturday, February 13^th at the Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro, VT.  The show will begin at 8:00.  The concert will also feature Mr. Hart’s colleague from Queen’s College, David Berkman on piano. 

Hart’s approach to developing his own personal style is based on a deep respect for the tradition.  He has cultivated relationships with jazz’s icons, assimilated their styles and learned meaningful lessons on and off the bandstand.  Hart has reached back and studied the music of the old Masters by transcribing jazz improvisations off of their orignal recordings.  Amongst others, he has learned numerous solos by Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Cannonball Adderley, Johnny Hodges and Ben Webster in an attempt to decode the secrets locked within them.  Hart has gone well beyond this task by performing and recording with many of today’s living masters.  He has served as apprentice to Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Heath, Donald Byrd, Sir Roland Hanna, Dave Holland and Nat Adderley, learning why they chose specific notes, gleaning from their leadership styles and observing their attitudes towards life.

Antonio’s immersion in the music of the past has positioned him well.  He is now, to quote Dee Dee Bridgewater, “one of the best alto saxophonists on the scene today.”  As an indication of his stature, Mr. Hart recently served as Music Director for a sold-out performance at Kennedy Center honoring Ella Fitzgerald with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Janis Siegel and Al Jarreau performing with the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band (February 24^th).  Hart conducted world-premiere arrangements by George Duke and dusted off, for the first time since their legendary recording, the original arrangements as sung by Ella and Louis Armstrong. 

One can see that Antonio Hart is well recognized as a straight-ahead jazz artist with the best of credentials.  But what kind of music will he perform at the Vermont Jazz Center on Saturday, February 13^th?  What distinguishes him from his peers? Hart is a technician whose facility transcends the saxophone itself.  He plays with such apparent ease that the instrument is merely a conduit for his fluid ideas.  Hart doesn’t use his virtuosity in a flashy or pretentious manner; he is an amazing musician, but he is also wise.  Hart knows that music is an enhanced form of communication. Because he is a peaceful, insightful man, his music often reflects this.  Many of his compositions are accessible expressions of beauty.  But Hart uses music to convey a wide range of emotions, from resplendent ballads to rhythmically infused journeys, from familiar standards to viscerally charged commentaries.   From a composition evoking the plight of Amadou Daillo to “All God’s Children;” from “Tears for Bosnia” to “Embraceable You,” Hart has a great deal to say and music is his voice. 

Hart brings with him pianist David Berkman who has appeared twice before us at the jazz center, once with his own group and once with the quintet of Dr. Bebop (a.k.a., Howard Brofksy).  Berkman is an award-winning composer/bandleader (2000 Doris Duke/Chamber Music America New Works Creation and Presentation Grant), whose recordings have appeared on numerous best records of the year critic's lists (the New York Times, the Village Voice, Downbeat, JazzIz, Jazz Times and others).  He has played in countless bands including those of Cecil McBee, Tom Harrell and the Vanguard Orchestra.  Berkman has performed with and/or recorded and/or arranged for numerous jazz luminaries, including: Sonny Stitt, Brian Blade, Joe Lovano, Dave Douglas, Ray Drummond, Billy Hart, Dick Oatts, Tony Malaby, Chris Potter, Lenny White, Stewart, Dave Stryker, Fathead Newman, Hank Crawford, and Jane Monheit. He has published two books with Sher Music Publishing, “The Jazz Musician’s Guide to Creative Practicing” (2007) and “The Jazz Singer’s Guidebook” (2009).

Also appearing in Hart’s group will be drummer Lee Pearson. Lee has toured and performed with Hank Jones, Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith, Bobbi Humphrey, Ronnie Laws, David Murray. John Hicks, Bobby Watson, Kenny Garrett, Little Jimmy Scott, Reggie Workman, Javon Jackson, Roy Hargrove, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Cab Calloway Orchestra, Donald Harrison, Curtis Lundy, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, R&B singer Bilal and the tonight show band (Jay Leno). Lee Pearson has toured the world with Savion Glover’s Tony Award winning Broadway show “Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk.”

The bassist for the ensemble will be announced at a date closer to the performance.

Grab your sweetie and join us in listening to Antonio Hart’s Quartet, the night before Valentine’s day, Saturday, February 13^th at the Vermont Jazz Center at 8:00 PM.  Come find out why Jimmy Heath says: “It is rare when a musician is able to sing, swing, create and communicate on his instrument…Antonio does all of the above!”   The Vermont Jazz Center thanks the Colonial Inn for their continued generosity in hosting Vermont Jazz Center musicians and Ellis Music for co-sponsoring this event.