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Antonio Parker - sax, Darrius Scott - piano, Cheyney Thomas - bass, Keith Killgo - drums
Saxophonist, composer, educator and music songwriter/producer, Antonio Parker, is a native of Philadelphia, Pa. He is well known for his dynamic, energetic, and virtuosic performances as well as his versatility in a variety of musical styles. His artistry is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition but incorporates a wide spectrum of musical influence. He is a visionary artist who been performing nationally and internationally for over 20 years.
Antonio began playing the saxophone at the age of 10 and would later begin taking private saxophone and piano lessons at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. It was at Settlement, where Antonio would be exposed to the sounds and rhythms of jazz music. He would also be exposed to the music of the great alto saxophonist, Charlie Parker. In an instance, jazz would become the focus of his musical pursuits. At Settlement, Antonio was part of the jazz sextet and also performed in The Settlement Summer Music Program. It was through these programs Antonio would meet other young, talented musicians throughout the city. He, along with renowned bassist Christian McBride, and pianist/organist Joey Defrancesco were a part of The Philadelphia All-City Jazz Band during their high school years. They also attended the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). During high school, Antonio was the recipient of several scholarship awards, including, the Count Basie Scholarship, The McCoy Tyner Scholarship and awarded a brand new Selmer Saxophone. After graduating high school, Antonio entered Howard University in Washington DC, where he was given several special-talent scholarships to attend. He was a part of the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, where he has written, recorded and toured with the band. He has been a fixture in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area every since.
Antonio's artistic achievements are many, and include serving as a USIA (United States Information Agency) Jazz Ambassador to 7 countries in Africa, where he performed and conducted jazz workshops in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Zaire, Congo, Morocco, and Tunisia. He has toured and performed in countries such as Japan, London, Scotland, Paris, Spain, Canada and Austria. He has also performed at the pyramids in Egypt with Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. Antonio has recorded and/or shared the stage with many well-known artists and entertainers, including Go-Go legend Chuck Brown, The Blackbyrds, The Ojays, Peabo Bryson, Ruben Studdard, Betty Carter, Illinois Jaquet, Jean Carne, Christian Mcbride, and many others. His debut CD, entitled "The Exchange" was well received and he is currently in the process of completing several recording projects.
Antonio is a graduate of Howard University, where he received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and his Masters degree in Composition & Arranging. He acquired a second Bachelors degree in Music Education from the University of the District of Columbia as well. As an educator, he has taught in the District of Columbia Public Schools as well as Prince George's County Public School system. He is the founder and executive director of the Inner City Jazz Foundation and continues to educate young people on the importance of jazz music. His company, Mr. Parker Music Teacher, LLC focuses on creating and providing educational products services to school-age children through the medium of music.
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www.TwinsJazz.com.
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