Rob Mazurek Octet

The Rob Mazurek Octet melds two sides from the cornetist’s artistic — and geographic — world, his Chicago-based Exploding Superstar Orchestra and Starlicker ensembles and his Brazil-based São Paulo Underground. Mazurek set up the octet upon a obtain a Mls Davis-inspired concert to become performed with the past due-2011 arrival from the We Want Mls vacationing exhibition and tribute in São Paulo. The cornetist tapped São Paulo Underground associates Mauricio Takara (drums, percussion, and cavaquinho — a Brazilian ukulele) and Guilherme Granado (keyboards and consumer electronics) to participate the ensemble, along with Swiss-born Brazil resident Thomas Rohrer on rabeca (a Brazilian fiddle) and Carlos Issa on electric guitar and consumer electronics. To complete the group, Mazurek appeared north to his many Chicago collaborators and decided to go with flutist Nicole Mitchell, vibraphonist Jason Adasiewicz, and drummer John Herndon. The group documented its debut, the 2013 Cuneiform discharge Skull Periods, at São Paulo’s Teatro perform SESC Pinheiros in November 2011. Skull Periods presents an obvious homage to Mls, while also incorporating AACM-influenced exploratory collective improvisation, atmospheric digital touches, as well as the rhythmic exuberance of Brazil.