ANTONIOJAZZ.COM

Sparkling Crystal is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the energy that flows from this young up and going musician.  Many people describe him as a saxophone player with a smooth cutting-edge sound and a very stylistic appeal; but this Minneapolis native would rather consider himself an individualist who combines a rich sound and natural melodic vibe that incorporates a style that transcends the realm of Jazz, Contemporary R&B and Gospel.  Regardless of the style, Antonio’s passion and energy for music is expressively displayed on live stage, as well as on the recordings he has done.

As a graduate form the University of Minnesota and the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston, Antonio was always striving to create his own style and sound.  To this day many can say that Antonio sounds like no other saxophone player but himself; stemming from the influences of Grover Washington Jr., Najee, Gerald Albright, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Kenny Garrett (just to name a few).  His Rich blend of creativity is also expressed in his original music with songs like “Summer Dream” and “Good Lovin”.  

Coming up as a young musician Antonio has bounced from the smoky jazz clubs to the performance stages of the Montreux Jazz Festival-Switzerland and Carnegie Hall in New York. He has been blessed to have brushed shoulders with some of the best, including Chaka Khan, Nathan East, Mark Whitfield, The Roots, Run DMC, The Pharcyde, The Count Basie Orchestra, Ellis Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Red Rodney, Earnie Watts, Jane Ira Bloom and Regina Belle. 

With the release of his current sophomore CD “Suite Grooves Remixed” selling out at performances, Antonio is beginning to display the type of appeal that masses of music lovers are looking for.  Standing true to his Faith in God as his source, Antonio has already marked himself with success.  It is with that same faith that many have come to rely upon Antonio to deliver a consistent flow of spirit-filled energy at his performances.  Oh, but this is not a feat he takes credit for. Always dedicating each performance to his family and the memory of his late wife, Antonio has become an instrument of praise. 

As best said in his own words… ““Music is for the Soul, if you hear it, it’s there.  If you listen to it, it touches you; but if you play it...It embraces you!”

Overall, Antonio’s rich blend of creativity has been expressed in his original music and in his performances, which display a dynamic spirit-filled energy and charisma that have given him a distinctive new voice on the saxophone. As a young up and growing artist, Antonio is continually reaching to touch the hearts of all people with a diversity and appeal that cannot be overlooked. 

“To change the face of today’s music as an individual voice on the saxophone, by displaying the peace and love of God into the hearts of those who enjoy the sound of today’s music with yesterday’s influences.”

“In order to project a vision into the world through my music, I must allow my soul and my spirit to become apparent through my instrument and my overall presence, exhibiting my ‘humbleness’ as well as my “musical cool.”