Ted Efantis

Theodore A. "Ted" Efantis (24 December 1929—12 January 2018) was an American Jazz musician (tenor saxophonist, also a singer), who was active in the Washington, D.C., jazz scene. He was a fixture in Washington, D.C., jazz clubs and its jam sessions for the better part of 70 years.

Life and work

Efantis was born on December 24, 1929. He had an early start in the music world—by 16, he was playing with jazz groups all around Washington, D.C. He performed at various well-known jazz clubs in the city, such as Brickskeller and Bohemian Caverns.

By the mid-1950s, he left Washington and relocated to Los Angeles, California, to pursue his dream. In 1956, he performed on the album "Embers Glow" with jazz singer Jane Fielding and The Kenny Drew Quintet. Other musicians on the album were Joe Maini (alto saxophone), Leroy Vinnegar (bass), and Larance Marable(drums). In 1957, he recorded in New York City with The Freddy Merkle Group (Bill Potts, Earl Swope, Rob Swope, and John Beal).

Between 1956 and 1976, Efantis was involved in five recording sessions. In 1975, Efantis contributed to two tracks in the album "American Music" by Danny and the Fat Boys, alongside Derwin Holder (bass), Scott Taylor (drums), Jimmy Unger (fiddle), Danny Gatton (guitar), Lance Quinn (guitar), Jake Melchioni (guitar), Charlie Barden (vibraphone) and Bill Hancock (vocals, bass).

In 1977, Efantis was heard on "Bob Sauer Big Band Live From The Nation's Capital" with Roy S. Grundstrom (bass); Paul Clarke (drums); Paul Morris (piano); Bobbie Kelley (vocals); Al Seibert, Bob Brooke, Dave LeRoy, Ev King, Hal Strack (saxophone); Don Burch, Peter Negus (trombone); and Bill Glaser, Bob Turner, John Dunkert, Pete Gemski, Phil Wrenn (trumpet).

In 2014, Efantis sang the US national anthem "The Star Spangled Banner" at a celebration of the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, which was broadcast nationwide.

Personal life

Efantis was married to Angela. The couple had five children: Dino Efantis, Rose Kelly, Maria Brennan, Steve Efantis, and Demi Dunne.

Death

Efantis died on January 12, 2018, in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He was 88.