Canadian-born tenor saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk, now based in Maryland, fronts an empathetic quartet on several originals and covers of Cole Porter’s “All of You” and Tadd Dameron’s “Hot House,” which segues cleverly into Monk’s “Evidence.” Antoniuk and pianist Wade Beach showcase their considerable chops up front on the burning opener, “Screwball,” before settling into the easy-grooving title track. Drummer Tony Martucci puts an authentic second-line groove beneath the jaunty funk of “Meet Me at the Ponderosa,” then sets an easy midtempo shuffle-swing feel on Tom Baldwin’s bluesy “Slickery.” Antoniuk and Beach also turn in an affecting duet on Billy Strayhorn’s “Isfahan.” A commendable debut by this recently formed group.
Originally PublishedBrotherhood: Jeff Antoniuk and the Jazz Update
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