Take Four began in 2020 rehearsing in Marty's backyard six feet apart during the pandemic. Marty, Jim, and Andy played as a trio for a year or so prior to adding Gary to the group. In 2025 the T4JQ performed about 20 shows in DFW for venues such as Didi's Downtown in Frisco, Larue Winery in Lewisville, the City of Carrollton, and the Judge Fite Century 21 Easter Seals Gala at the Perot Museum.  2026 looks to be even busier as we provide more dates for our fans to come out and hear us.

Gary Adgate, Bass & Tuba

Electric bass and tuba go together to make up Gary’s life passion in music. Gary has played in many groups around DFW with styles ranging from rock to blues, classical, jazz, and contemporary Christian. Active as a freelance performer, director, and teacher for over 40 years, Gary still finds new creative bass lines with his Fender Jazz bass and a Hirschbrunner tuba built in 1975. Early influences from his father (also a bass and tuba player) were jazz, band music, and classical. A proud graduate of University of North Texas (Bachelors of Music/Education), Gary also holds a Masters of Music in Performance/Tuba from Northwestern University. Look for him on You Tube channels: GTUBA, Mockingbird Brass, blueGrace, and TakeFour.

Andy Avera, Guitar & Vocals

Andy Avera has been immersed in music since age nine, when the sounds of modern jazz and rock became the soundtrack to his youth. Growing up in the mid-1980s, he discovered his passion for instrumental music while listening to “The Oasis” radio station in Dallas and wearing out classics like Jeff Beck’s Blow by Blow. That early love of jazz fusion and rock continues to shape his approach to the guitar today. Andy brings decades of experience and a deep appreciation for improvisation and groove to Take Four Jazz Quartet.

Jim Benner, Drums

It all began in 1977 with the flute, then in 1979 the drums took over! Jim as played in a variety of bands over the years including an original pop band, an original Irish-folk tinged band, and a various cover bands (including 80's, 90's, modern country, variety bands, and jazz), which gave him the opportunity to immerse himself in different styles. His musical passion continues with Sugar (a 70's yacht rock band) and Take Four Jazz Quartet. With influences as diverse as Neil Peart (Rush), Jeff Porcaro (Toto), Simon Phillips, and Dave Weckl, Jim has taken elements from each of these greats to hone his style. You can find him playing either a Gretsch Catalina Club jazz kit or a Premier Genista kit, with either Paiste or Sabian cymbals.

Marty Nelson, Trumpet

Marty is a music educator and taught band for 32 years. He has played in several groups in Texas including classic rock and 90's bands. In addition to performing in Take Four, Marty has a music publishing company for his compositions and teaches private trumpet lessons. Marty performs on a Bell trumpet. Marty's influences include Blue Mitchell, Freddie Hubbard, Clifford Brown, and Floyd Pepper, the bass player in the Muppet Band.