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Guitarist and Composer Stefano is a former child prodigy who comes from a Musical Family. As a performer Stefano is known for his Dynamic Stage Presence and Brilliant Technique. He has appeared across the US and Europe as Solo Recitalist, Concerto Soloist,Chamber Musician, and as Half of the Renown “Edwards-Simmons Guitar Duo”.
Stefano holds a Bachelors Degree from De Paul University in Chicago, where he studied under guitar legend Leon Borkowski and persued Master of Music studies as a scholarship student under master teacher Mark Maxwell. Stefano has also studied with guitar masters Pepe Romero, Christopher Parkening, Denis Azabagic, Douglas Neidt, and Robert Guthrie. He was runner up in the American Society of Musicians Guitar Competion.
Stefano has been featured in performances with many notable artists, including flamenco guitar master Carlos Montoya, violin virtuoso Gidon Kremer, and legendary jazz pianist George Shearing. He has also been active in theatre productions, most notably The Goodman Theatre’s production of Federico Garcia-Lorca’s “Yerma” and Light Opera Work’s production of “Man of La Mancha”. His Recordings have been featured on WFMT fine arts radio in Chicago and on Radio France.
Stefano is a prolific composer for both film and live theatre, as well as his beautiful compositions for Guitarra Azul’s debut CD “Mariposa”.
Roberto is a Classically Trained Guitarist Who is Known for his Beautiful Tone and Firey approach to Rhythm.
Roberto is a former protégé of master guitarist Norman Ruiz, accompanying him on his annual pilgrimage to Spain to study with classical and flamenco guitar masters. As a youth Roberto has participated in master classes with Pepe Romero, Sergio Medina, Benjamin Verdery, and The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet.
Miguel is an accomplished percussionist in a broad range of styles - as one student put it, ‘The Indiana Jones of drums and percussion. ’ He has been performing jazz and pop professionally 20 years with the likes of Ellis Marsalis, Clark Terry, Frank Mantooth Big Band, and Kat Parsons Group.
Miguel is a percussionist graduated with honors from DePaul University where he earned a Bachelors degree in performance and composition. His world percussion credits include tabla drums with Zakar Hussain (India), recording with Pitu Leal (Brazil) and his current passion, multiple percussion for Guitarra Azul. He has performed music theater works, ranging from the traditional, Annie Get Your Gun, to the contemporary, Lord Of the Dance (various hand percussion). Miguel has performed and recorded chamber ensemble percussion for Cliff Colnot (Civic Orchestra Principal). Additionally, Miguel is a bandleader, producer (both live and studio, also entertainment director at Navy Pier), composer, arranger, teacher and session player.
Recent recording examples include arrangements for Rich Paterson (of Miles Davis fame) Group. Miguel composes snare drum solos, i.e., Firestorm and multiple percussion ensemble works published by Ludwig Music and Modern Drummer; he also composes and publishes percussion for music theater, most recently Soup Du Jour, for Light Opera Works.
Antonio is one of the most versatile and accomplished jazz bassists in the Chicago area. His performing credits include the Morris Ellis Jazz Orchestra, Pete Cozy Jazz Group (formerly with Miles Davis), and the Northern Illinois Jazz Band, as well as collaborations with Jazz greats James Moody, Frank Mantooth, Von Freeman, and Clark Terry.
Antonio has also shared the stage with gospel artists Tramaine Hawkins, The Staple Singers, The Winans, Jessy Dixon, The P.T.L. Singers, Calvin Bridges, The Wooten Choir Group, The Prophets, The Thompson Community Singers, and The Bartlett Sisters.
Antonio attended Columbia College majoring in music composition and electric bass studies with an emphasis in R&B, classical and jazz. A highly regarded and experienced music educator, Antonio taught promotion at Central State University and bass and jazz studies at Columbia College, in addition to general music at Our Lady of Grace and Joseph Warren Elementary.
Equally in demand for studio and show work, Antonio can be heard on jingles for Kraft, Leon’s Barbeque, Nelson Brothers, Picks & Pans, Let’s Talk Flicks, and Ready Wipe, as well as the campaign music for former Mayor Harold Washington. Antonio has recorded with the Thompson Community Singers, Calvin Bridges, The Prophets, The Barrett Sisters, Northern Illinois University Jazz Band (Live at Montraux), James Cleveland, Arthur Scales, Ethel Holloway, The Staple Singers, Rod McGaha, and Mike Hayward. He has also performed for many plays, including Your Arms Too short to Box with God, Dina, The Jackie Wilson Story, and The Other Cinderella.
In addition to being the bassist for Guitarra Azul, The Steve Edwards Orchestra, and Chicago’s celebrated Black Ensemble Theatre, Antonio is the owner of MhoonUnit Midi Recording Studio.
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