Max
    Ionata

Born in 1972, Max Ionata is considered one of the leading Italian saxophonists on the contemporary jazz scene. In just a few years, he has won the approval of critics and audiences alike, always enjoying great success in Italy and abroad. He has published over seventy records and collaborated with Italian and international musicians, making him one of the most popular Italian artists abroad, particularly in Japan where he enjoys considerable artistic fame.

In addition to leading several projects under his own name, he regularly collaborates with some of the best musicians on the international scene.

He has played in the most important jazz clubs and jazz festivals in the world and has collaborated with great musicians including: Robin Eubanks, Reuben Rogers, Clarence Penn, Lenny White, Billy Hart, Alvin Queen, Joe Locke, Anne Ducros, Steve Grossman, Mike Stern, Bob Mintzer, Bob Franceschini, Hiram Bullock, Joel Frahm, Miles Griffith, Anthony Pinciotti, Jon Cowherd, John Benitez, Dino Piana, 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.

He has performed in Japan, China, Holland, England, France, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Peru and the United States.


Among the international awards:
The 'Massimo Urbani' prize for the wind section in the year 2000
First prize at the 'Baronissi' National Jazz Competition in the year 2000
The audience prize at the 'Tramplin Jazz D'Avignon' international competition in France in the year 2002.
The "JAZZIT AWARD" 2012 as best Italian tenor saxophonist
The "JAZZIT AWARD" 2013 as best Italian tenor saxophonist

The important Japanese magazine "Jazzlife", as well as dedicating an important space to him in its special issue "Jazz horn 2010" with an interview, has reported him as "one of those saxophonists who have opened a new frontier in jazz".

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