Antonio Hart Sextet at the New Hazlett Theater, North Side

Antonio Hart, saxophones; Freddie Hendrix, trumpet; Robin Eubanks, trombone; Miki Yamanaka, piano; Alex Ayala, bass; Vince Ector, drums

Hart’s real study of Jazz began at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. There, he studied with Bill Pierce, Andy McGhee, and Joe Viola. The three teachers gave him the foundation he needed to develop into a professional musician.

He made many friends at Berklee, but the most important was Roy Hargrove. They spent three years touring the world and recording Hargrove’s first three records. Hart considers Hargrove to be his brother in life and music. He even used Hargrove on his first recording ‘For the First Time.’

Hart wanted to continue his education and study from some true masters of Jazz, so during those first few years on the road, he also worked on a Masters Degree at Queens College. There he had the opportunity to learn from the great Jimmy Heath and Donald Byrd.

Hart balances his time as a full-time tenured Professor at The Aaron Copland school of Music, Queens College, as well as, traveling on the road with his band, The Dave Holland Big band, and The Dizzy Gillespie Big band. In his off time, he likes to practice martial arts. And listen to other styles of music for inspiration. He is constantly trying to get to higher levels on his horn and in his writing.

Antonio Hart, Kente Arts