Max Ionata

Born in 1972, Max Ionata is considered as one of the major Italian saxophonists on the contemporary jazz scene. He has published more than 70 recordings with national and international artists and is appreciated by critics and audiences world-wide.

Max is a leader on several projects and collaborates permanently with prestigious artists. He plays in jazz clubs and festivals all over the world working with great musicians such as: Robin Eubanks, Reuben Rogers, Clarence Penn, Greg Hutchinson, Lenny White, Billy Hart, Alvin Queen, Joe Locke, Steve Grossman, Ali Jackson, Mike Stern, Bob Mintzer, Bob Franceschini, Hiram Bullock, Joel Frahm, Miles Griffith, Anthony Pinciotti, and with the Italians Dino Piana, Enrico Rava, Roberto Gatto, Dado Moroni, Stefano Di Battista, Gegè Telesforo, Giovanni Tommaso, Flavio Boltro, Furio Di Castri, Fabrizio Bosso, Enrico Pierannunzi, Mario Biondi, Ornella Vanoni, Sergio Cammariere, Renzo Arbore and many others.

Max has performed in Japan, China, Russia, Netherlands, England, France, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Peru and the United States. His international awards include: "Massimo Urbani" for woodwinds (2000); First Prize at Baronissi national jazz contest (2000); Audience Award at Tramplin Jazz D'Avignon international contest in France (2002); JAZZIT AWARD as Best Italian Tenor Saxophonist (2012); and JAZZIT AWARD as Best Italian Tenor Saxophonist (2013). Jazzlife magazine called Max, "a saxophonist who opened new boundaries in jazz".

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