“the Soulful and Swinging Saxman Everyone Needs to Hear…”
– Jazzwise UK
MAX IONATA SPECIAL EDITION
Max Ionata, the internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist, continues to captivate audiences around the globe with his exceptional virtuosity and boundary-crossing jazz. With a career spanning more than two decades, Ionata stands as a model of artistic brilliance in modern jazz. His sound—marked by emotional depth and technical mastery—has earned him critical praise and a devoted following worldwide.
His ability to blend traditional jazz elements with contemporary nuances demonstrates his versatility and artistic maturity—a beautiful fusion of influences from greats such as Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, and Michael Brecker.
Max Ionata has collaborated with many renowned musicians and has effortlessly moved across different musical styles. In his latest venture, he has formed a trio with three outstanding Scandinavian musicians. They have performed together for several years and recently released a highly praised album titled “LIKE” under Mingus Records.
This ensemble has now been joined by the Swedish jazz phenomenon and piano virtuoso Martin Sjöstedt, also known for his work as a bassist and arranger. Each member of the group brings impressive international experience, having performed music that has reached audiences all around the world.
TIVOLI (2025)
Max Ionata (ITA) – SAXOPHONE
Born in 1972, Max Ionata is considered as one of the most important jazz saxophonists in contemporary Italian Jazz scene. Although his late debut after having moved to Rome in 2005 and started his living only by music, Ionata has already gained a considerable reputation by international jazz critics and audience.
He played at some of the most important jazz clubs and festivals in the world, also in collaboration with : Alvin Queen, Lenny White, Robin Eubanks, Reuben Rogers, Clarence Penn, Steve Grossman, Mike Stern, Bob Mintzer, Bob Franceschini, Hiram Bullock, Joel Frahm, Miles Griffith, Andy Gravish, Anthony Pinciotti, Roberto Gatto, Dado Moroni, Giovanni Tommaso, Flavio Boltro, Lorenzo Tucci, Furio Di Castri, Fabrizio Bosso, Rosario Bonaccorso, Mario Biondi, Gegè Telesforo and many others.
He won the “Massimo Urbani” in 2000, 1st prize in “Baronissi international Jazz Competition 2000”, public nominee in “Tramplin Jazz D’Avignon” in France. While leading his own groups that brought him a big success in Japan, Ionata also regularly shows up on some important projects, Roberto Gatto’s “Remembering Shelly”, Gegè Telesforo’s “So Cool 5tet” etc. as a sideman.
”These days, when the one who plays the fastest wins, Max Ionata, on the other hand, focuses on feeling, swing, and melody.”
Jesper Bodilen (DK) – BASS
Jesper Bodilsen (b. 1970) is the Danish bassist who rose from discovering a dusty trumpet in his grandparents’ attic to becoming a powerhouse on the international jazz scene. After earning his diploma from the Royal Academy in Aarhus in 1997, he broke through performing with Ed Thigpen and Duke Jordan, quickly establishing himself as one of Europe’s most in-demand bassists.
His longstanding trio with Stefano Bollani and Morten Lund has captivated audiences worldwide, especially through the ECM releases Stone in the Water and Joy Inspite of Everything. As producer, bandleader, and founder of Mingus Records, Bodilsen unites Nordic lyricism with fiery virtuosity.
“Jesper Bodilsen’s bass playing continues the theory that Denmark is the home of great bassists” (The Age, AUS)
Martin Maretti Andersen (DK) – DRUMS
Danish drummer Martin Maretti Andersen is truly a musical dynamo, at home in many different styles and settings. With his powerful and expressive playing, he’s added luster to performances by a broad range of Scandanavian and international ensembles.
Martin Sjöstedt (SE) – PIANO
Martin Sjöstedt is one of Sweden’s most versatile and acclaimed jazz musicians — a bassist, pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader whose work has shaped the sound of contemporary Scandinavian jazz. Renowned for his technical brilliance and unmistakable musical authority, he moves effortlessly between ensembles, styles, and roles, always elevating the music around him.
His writing and arranging are celebrated for combining deep respect for jazz tradition with a forward-looking, innovative voice. Whether leading his own groups or collaborating with top artists across Europe, Sjöstedt stands out as an artist whose presence defines the musical moment.
