In the fall of 1998, the dynamic frontman of Soul Patch met with the veteran bandleader of The Andrew Maroko Trio to form The Maroko Seven. Throughout the years the group has performed under many different names such as The Soul Patch All-Stars, The Andrew Maroko Trio Plus, Darryl Jefferson and The Andrew Maroko Group, etc., but their intent has always been the same. Under the dual leadership of Darryl Jefferson and Andrew Maroko, The Andrew Maroko Seven’s goal is to create a unique blend of pop sensibility mixed with jazz depth.
Jazz enthusiasts can check them out at their 10 p.m. gig on Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Liberty Bar and Grill, located at 61 14th St. in Hoboken.
The band self-describes their style as a 1960s era Kenny Burrell Quintet with someone like Ray Charles as a frontman. Their originality can be explained by the breakdown of each of the band members.
Frank Parente has been playing the drum set for over 20 years. He currently performs in the tri-state area with many groups. Through years of playing, he’s performed with acts that cover a wide range of styles including rock, blues, funk, jazz, Afro-Cuban, reggae and ska. His fellow band mates said that they can always count on him to bring unbridled enthusiasm to their performances.
Joe Peterson only showed an interest in jazz music when he was 19, but when he did, he immediately decided to concentrate his efforts on exclusively playing the double bass. His interest grew when he decided to pursue jazz history under his professor at Monmouth University, Robert Santelli, the former director of education at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cincinnati, Ohio. After receiving his B.A., Joe continued his studies by signing up for the first Jazz Masters Program at Rutgers University, Newark. The program is based adjacent to the Institute of Jazz Studies, which is the largest jazz archive in the world. Peterson is now finishing his fourth term as a guest lecturer at Rutgers University, and plays jazz music throughout the tri-state area.
Kevin Sztam, the trombonist, has played in the New York and New Jersey area and has recorded and toured with groups like All God’s Children, Native Sun, Bigger Thomas, The Sensational Soul Cruisers, Tiny Lights, John Kruth Ensemble, The Gloop, Little Anthony, and The Toasters. He previously played lead with the Rutgers Jazz Ensemble and has since been freelancing in the Jersey City and Newark area. When he’s not playing, he’s a medical student who works at the University Hospital in Newark.
Chris Dragotta plays the sax. He’s a veteran of the NYC jazz and avant-guard scene and has been working in the area for over 20 years. He studied at Rutgers University and Manhattan School of Music but is continuing his “real world” education by working with everyone from straight-ahead swing players to experimental noise composers.
Darryl Jefferson, the six-foot, five-inch lead singer, has fronted such NY/NJ bands as High Life, Lincoln, Fear of Commitment, The Ridilin’ Bunch, White Lightnin’ & Chocolate Thunder, and many others. Though raised on soul and funk, Darryl brings his inimitable style to jazz, rock, & blues. He’s been fronting bands for the last 10 years.
Andrew Maroko, guitarist, said he’s been obsessed with jazz since his mom gave him his first record, which was Louis Armstrong’s: On the Sunny Side of the Street, when he was in first grade. Since then he has achieved professional status not only as an accomplished guitarist but as a classical and jazz trumpet player as well. Maroko has played and recorded with scores of ensembles including All God’s Children, Native Sun, Bigger Thomas, Eli Yeman, the Gloop and ISOE. Maroko studied music at Rutgers University and credits his education with his ability to blend some of the sounds of his idols like Wes Montgomery, Tal Farlow, Kenny Burrell, and Baden Powell with his own unique concept, while exploring his own rich Brazilian musical heritage.
“We try to give everything we have in our performance, to make sure everyone has a good time,” said Jefferson. “We go in to it trying to have as much fun as we can have, and we pour everything into the music.” – LT