.ROB MAZUREK

Sao Paulo Underground @ The Empty Bottle (04/11) - One Night Only

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:47:21 +0100

While managing and developing numerous projects in Chicago, Rob spent several years living in the Brazilian Amazon. During this time, he would occasionally travel to the thriving cultural and economic metropolis of S�o Paulo. It is here that Rob met co-founder of S�o Paulo Underground Mauricio Takara, and other members of the cities rising underground music movement.

In 2006, Mazurek and Takara released the group�s debut album Sauna: Um, Dois, Tr�s to much international acclaim, and began performing live, as a duo, in the U.S., Poland, Czech. Republic, and Brazil. The gravity of the duo�s �walls of sound� soon pulled in two additional members, Guilherme Granado and Richard 'Hollywood' Ribeiro. S�o Paulo Underground, now a quartet, includes Mazurek and three Brazilian native Paulistanos, Takara, Granando, and Ribeiro, all percussionists, thus explaining the group�s dynamic and forceful nature. Takara and Granado additionally control samplers, electronics and also add cavaquinho, and vibes and marimba to the mix, respectively.

In 2008 they released their first album as a quartet, The Principle of Intrusive Relationships, which was rated among the Top 50 Records of 2008 by The Wire. The group will release it�s third album, Tr�s Cabe�as Loucuras, in late 2010.

To describe the music the quartet creates is futile. S�o Paulo Underground embodies a fascinating musical mixture of Sun Ra-esque cosmic noise and rhythms and phrasing from samba, maracatu, rock and free jazz traditions.

Notable Festivals of 2009:
House of World Cultures - Hugh Massakela�s 70th Birthday Celebration (Berlin, Germany)
International Jazz Festival (Verona, Italy)
Festival no ar Coquetel Molotov (Recife, Brasil)

Sound Is - Debut European Tour - February 26th - March 8th

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:43:07 +0100

Rob Mazurek's Sound Is Quintet reveals a mixed pedigree--equal parts indie rock and jazz. Drummer John Herndon (Tortoise, the For Carnation) and electric bassist Matthew Lux (Isotope 217, Iron and Wine) bring an accessible pop sensibility to the driving rhythms and soaring melodies of Mazurek's sanguine tunes. Acoustic bassist Josh Abrams (Town and Country, Black Earth Ensemble) and vibraphonist Jason Adasiewicz (Loose Assembly, Rolldown) provide sophisticated harmonies and colorful textures befitting their jazz lineage.

Feb 26 Show - Padova, Italy - Cinema Teatro Torresino 21:00
Feb 27 Show - Forli, Italy - Area Sismica - 22:30
Feb 28 Show - Rome, Italy - Sala Teatro Studio - 21:00
Mar 3 Show - Lugano, Switzerland - Studio 2 RSI Radiotelevisione Svizzera -20:30
Mar 4 Show - Zurich, Switzerland - Rote Fabrik Kulturzentrum - 20:30
Mar 5, Show - Warsaw, Poland - Powiekszenie
Mar 6 Show - Poznan, Poland - Estrada Pozanska - 20:30
Mar 7 Show - Wroclaw, Poland - OPT

The guys are back in Chicago, playing at the Hungry Brain on April 25th, 2010.

chicago underground duo us tour dates - Release Show 02/20

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:51:13 +0100

2/3 Chicago Cultural Center (7pm/Free Event) Chicago, IL
2/9 The Masonic Lodge (Ballroom Marfa Presents) Marfa, TX
2/10 Solar Culture Gallery Tuscon, AZ
2/11 Modified Arts Phoenix, AZ
2/12 Bootleg Theater (presented by The Fold) Los Angeles, CA
2/13 The Cellar Door (presented by Sound N Vision Foundation) Visalia, CA
2/14 Cafe Du Nord (VALENTINE'S DAY!) San Francisco, CA
2/18 The Mill Iowa City, IA
2/19 The Cave @ Carleton College (Private) Northfield, MN
2/20 The Hideout (ALBUM RELEASE SHOW) Chicago, IL
2/21 Woodland Pattern Book Center (Alternating Currents) Milwaukee, WI

chicago underground duo's new record, Boca Negra, is out - Reviews

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:41:26 +0100

"Atmospheric, exploratory music that creates worlds as it progresses." Colin Butler, BBC

"�Boca Negra�...is the rare jazz album that gets deep into the possibilities of the recording studio. It doesn�t sound expensively made, but it accomplishes a great deal. Each track has a different sonic personality from the last; sometimes different personalities lie sandwiched into the same track...This isn�t just sonic research; it�s a real album, paced and considered. It feels good." Ben Ratliff, The New York Times

"Boca Negra is a delight to get lost in." Chris May, AllAboutJazz

"Boca Negra isn�t an album that�s easy to get acquainted with � this is music designed to induce a fundamental paradigm shift in our expectations of what a band can be and how they should operate, with two accomplished players bringing agitation and affection together at an uneasy meeting point." Nick Neyland, DrownedInSound.com

"The Chicago Underground ensembles have steadily produced a heady mix of raw and innovative acoustic extrapolations, complemented by deft use of electronics and signal processing. This album illustrates this dynamic, striking a poignant balance between improvisation and programming, between tune and atmosphere...Those already aware of the Duo's merits will need no convincing to feast their ears here, while new listeners willing to dedicate some time will surely be drawn into a lucid and impressionistic arena of reflections and evocations, both tranquil and fierce." Fiacha O'Dubhda, Junkmedia.org

"Boca Negra is certainly not the easiest entry-route into the post-jazz catacombs of the Chicago Underground, but its steely determination and non-conformity is nevertheless refreshing and worthy of respect...The previously-converted will...comfortably crank this up to tune into its synapse-scrambling and occasional soul-soothing open-endedness." Adrian P., Adequacy.net

"Overall, Boca Negra addresses both process and outcome within improvised music and delivers a coherent album that's accessible and warm yet without any compromises." Sid Smith

"The mixture of rhythmic invention and intriguing textures is what makes Boca Negra such a success." Mapsadasical

Check out this address for a free download of Spy on the Floor:
http://thrilljockey.com/assets/freedownload/CUD-Spy.mp3

Chicago Underground Duo at FONT - PHILLY 01/17

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:20:53 +0100

Cornetist Rob Mazurek (Isotope 217, Stereolab, Tortoise) and drummer Chad Taylor (Iron and Wine, Fred Anderson, Marc Ribot) will celebrate the release of Boca Negra, their fifth recording for Chicago�s Thrill Jockey Records. The longstanding group is known for its adventurous explorations of sound and texture, fueled by the musicians� ability to bring more than a dozen different instruments, as well as programmed sounds, into the mix on their recordings. Its music draws on elements such as modern composition, free-form improvisation and avant-rock.

International House Philadelphia
3701 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104 Map
Price: $12 General Admission
http://www.arsnovaworkshop.org/

Chicago Underground Duo at Festival of New Trumpet Music - NYC 01/15

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:15:09 +0100

Chicago Underground Duo

Cornetist Rob Mazurek and drummer Chad Taylor will celebrate the release of Boca Negra, their fifth recording for Chicago�s Thrill Jockey Records. The longstanding group is known for its adventurous explorations of sound and texture, fueled by the musicians� ability to bring more than a dozen different instruments, as well as programmed sounds, into the mix on their recordings. Its music draws on elements such as modern composition, free-form improvisation and avant-rock. Boca Negra, the band�s first recording since 2006, will be released in January 2010.

6:30 p.m. in the Blackbox Theatre

http://fontmusic.org/

02/20 - Chicago Underground Duo Record Release Party at The Hideout

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:13:58 +0100

On Feb. 20th, The Hideout will host a record release party as Rob Mazurek and Chad Taylor (Chicago Underground Duo) release their eleventh record as a part of the Chicago Underground Collective and their fifth record as a Duo, Boca Negra (Thrill Jockey, 2010). Come to celebrate the history of creative music in Chicago and to hear new compositions from the Duo's latest release.

Show Starts at 8:30

01/13 - Sound Is Chicago Debut at The Hideout

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:04:08 +0100

The Sound Is Quintet featuring Rob on cornet with drummer John Herndon (Tortoise, the For Carnation), electric bassist Matthew Lux (Isotope 217, Iron and Wine), acoustic bassist Josh Abrams (Town and Country, Black Earth Ensemble) and vibraphonist Jason Adasewiecz (Loose Assembly, Rolldown) put out their first record with Delmark earlier this year and will make their performance debut in Chicago at The Hideout on Wednesday, Jan. 13th before heading out on a European Tour.

The Hideout
1354 West Wabansia Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642-1519
(773) 227-4433
www.hideoutchicago.com

REVIEWS:
"Sound Is serves as both question and answer, offering the most focused demonstration of Mazurek's multi-faceted aesthetic to date; a potent blend of populist accessibility, inventive electro-acoustic tonalities and edgy improvisation."
- Troy Collins, AllAboutJazz

"Interspersed with Zappa-like cut-ups this is one more nail in the coffin of boundary demarcation in modern music."
- Chris Jones, BBC

"Mazurek orchestrates this quintet brilliantly, cresting the rhythm section's waves with fleet, Freddie Hubbard-like runs and rounded, delicate skitter."
- Signal to Noise

"This is a serious and weighty statement from a mature artist still exuberantly breaking new ground."
- The Wire

��Dragon Kites� is a floating composition trumped by a purposely stuck skip phrase, while furious cacophony from the entire quintet is captured on �Aphrodite Rising,� and �The Star Splitter� lays Christmas bells on top of South Side Chicago blues. The remarkable diversity displayed and stunning modernism heard on Sound Is should indicate that Rob Mazurek's musical footprint is difficult to pigeonhole, but is clearly an individual stance unique unto itself.�
- Michael G. Nastos, Allmusic Guide

01/8 + 01/9 - Two Nights of Exploding Star Orchestra at the Green Mill

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:37:13 +0100

Exploding Star will play both Friday and Saturday night Jan. 8th and 9th at the historic Green Mill. Come hear new compositions from Rob's 63 Moon's of Jupiter Suite.

Green Mill Jazz Club
4802 N. Broadway Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
773.878.5552

greenmilljazz.com

Objecto Amarelo + Rob Mazurek @ Centro Cultural S�o Paulo

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:10:27 +0100

Data: 08.11.09 - domingo
Local: Centro Cultural S�o Paulo (Exposi��o "Sinais de Fuma�a") - Rua Vergueiro 1000, Para�so; S�o Paulo/SP (em frente a esta��o do metr� Vergueiro)
Hor�rio: 16:00 (pontualmente)
Ingressos: Gratuitos

S�o Paulo Underground at Espaco + Soma

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:27:39 +0100

data: 29.10.09 - quinta
local: Espa�o +Soma - Rua Fidalga 98; Vila Madalena
S�o Paulo/SP

hor�rio: 21h

Bill Dixon with Exploding Star Orchestra in Philadelphia in December

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:13:31 +0200

Bill Dixon with Exploding Star Orchestra at International House Philadelphia, PA

Saturday 12/5/09 at 8pm

Rob Mazurek, cornet + computer; Bill Dixon, trumpet; Josh Abrams, double-bass; Nicole Mitchell, flute + voice; Jeb Bishop, trombone, Steve Swell, trombone; Jason Adasewicz, vibraphone; Matthew Lux, electric bass; Matt Bauder, bass clarinet + tenor saxophone; Mike Reed, drums; Damon Locke, voice

A crucial figure in the development of Free Jazz, trumpeter Bill Dixon (b. 1925) was first associated with the ensembles of Cecil Taylor and Archie Shepp, and was one of the main architects of the Jazz Composers Guild. In 1964, he organized the October Revolution in Jazz � "The New Thing"'s equivalent to the Armory Show - introducing Free Jazz to a broader audience. In the late 60s he devoted himself to teaching, creating the Black Music Division at Bennington College, Vermont in 1973. Returning, albeit infrequently, to recording in 1980, Dixon has since collaborated with William Parker and Tony Oxley, among many others.

For this very rare live appearance, Dixon performs with the Exploding Star Orchestra, led by Rob Mazurek, best know for his work with Isotope 217 and Chicago Underground projects in addition to collaborations with Stereolab, Tortoise (members of which are featured in ESO) and Sam Prekop. Featuring some of the most distinctive voices in Chicago's post-rock and jazz communities, the ESO is known for their adventurous and kaleidoscopic performances.

S�o Paulo Underground + Nan� Vasconcelos + Mike Ladd + Mamelo Sound System in S�o Paulo

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 01:46:02 +0200

Three nights in October: S�o Paulo Underground + Mamelo Sound System + Mike Ladd + Nan� Vasconcelos in S�o Paulo

Oct. 2, 2009 20:30
S�o Paulo Underground + Mamelo Sound System + Mike Ladd + Nan� Vasconcelos @Sesc Ribeir�o Preto Ribeir�o Preto, S�o Paulo

Oct. 3, 2009 21:00
S�o Paulo Underground + Mamelo Sound System + Mike Ladd + Nan� Vasconcelos @ Sesc Santana SP, S�o Paulo

Oct. 4, 2009 19:30
S�o Paulo Underground + Mamelo Sound System + Mike Ladd + Nan� Vasconcelos @ Sesc Santana SP, S�o Paulo

S�o Paulo Underground Festival no Ar Coquetel Molotov Recife, Pernambuco September 19th, 2009

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:58:21 +0200

CENTRO DE CONVEN��ES DE PERNAMBUCO

Rob Mazurek at El Tanque Espacio Cultural

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:12:12 +0200

Keroxen 09 Festival in Tenerife, Spain August 28, 2009

Open to the public one July 17, 1997, El Tanque (The Tank) is a symbolic cultural space and postmodern cathedral located in Tenerife, created by rehabilitating an industrial oil refinery tank.

Since its inauguration, the space has received a great number of audiovisual, theatrical, musical events, dance, expositions and multimedia assemblies, many of them created in dialogue with the space.

Equinox Festival LONDON

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:35:27 +0200

Equinox Festival London June 13th 1 pm

Raymond Salvatore Harmon - Projections
Rob Mazurek - Cornet, electronics

www.equinoxfestival.org

Bill Dixon with Exploding Star Orchestra LISBON

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:14:15 +0200

Bill Dixon with Exploding Star Orchestra August 9th 2009, LISBON Portugal

JAZZ EM AGOSTO FESTIVAL � 2009

The Jazz em Agosto festival organized by the Gulbenkian Foundation has been running since 1984 and in 2009 marks up its first quarter-century. The 26th summer event takes the theme of icons and innovators, presenting contemporary jazz musicians who have forged new languages and identities in an ever changing, and ever richer, free music scene.

Over six days (August 1, 2 and 6-9) and ten concerts, Jazz em Agosto will showcase modern jazz trailblazers. The icons and innovators of the last quarter century in this year�s line-up include George Lewis, with his electro-acoustic project Sequel, the Nublu Orchestra conducted by Butch Morris, Dave Douglas & Brass Ecstasy, Buffalo Collision (Tim Berne, Ethan Iverson, Hank Roberts, Dave King), the Peter Evans Quartet, Bill Dixon and Rob Mazurek�s Exploding Star Orchestra; Propagations (Mark Baron, Bertrand Denzler, Jean-Luc Guionnet, St�phane Rives) and Franziska Baumann/Mathias Ziegler, from Europe. Leading exponents of experimental DJing, Rough Americana by DJ Mutamassik & Morgan Craft, a solo concert by Peter Evans, a talk by George Lewis and two documentaries, �Escalator Over The Hill� by Steve Gebhardt and �Imagine The Sound� by Ron Mann, round up the programme for Jazz em Agosto 2009

HYPERLINK "http://www.musica.gulbenkian.pt/jazz" www.musica.gulbenkian.pt/jazz

Sao Paulo Underground Shows Europe

Tue, 12 May 2009 21:32:55 +0200

SPUNDERGROUND Featuring: rob mazurek, mauricio takara, guilherme granado, richard ribeiro and kiko inucci

05.15 Berlin, Germany @ House of Cultures
05.16 Wroclaw, Poland @ OPT
05.17 Lodz, Poland @ Jazzga
05.18 Krakow, Poland @ Re
05.19 Warsaw, Poland @ Powiekszenie
05.21 Padova, Italy @ Cinema Lux
05.22 Florence, Italy @ Maggio Concerts

05.23 palma mallorca (rob mazurek solo show)

EXPLODING STAR ORCHESTRA Featuring Roscoe Mitchell

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 19:34:09 +0200

Exploding Star Orchestra featuring Roscoe mitchell

May 8th and 9th
21h
SESC Vila Mariana
Rua Pelotas 141
Sao Paulo
5080-3000

Featuring:

Roscoe Mitchell saxophones
Rob Mazurek director, compositions, cornet
Nicole Mitchell flutes, voice
Matana Roberts saxophones  
Matt Bauder saxophones  
Steve Swell trombone
Damon Locks voice
Jason Adasewicz vibes
Kevin Drumm electronics  
Matt Lux bass guitar  
John Herndon drums
Chad taylor drums
Mike Reed drums
Guilherme Granado samplers/percussion
Mauricio Takara electronics/cavaquino

Sao Paulo Underground Show

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:22:51 +0200

Show Time:
Thursday April 9, 2009 - 9:00 PM
Venue:
S�O PAULO UNDERGROUND - SESC S�o Jos� dos Campos
Address:
SESC S�o Jos� dos Campos (Audit�rio) - Av. Adhemar de Barros 999, Jd. S�o Dimas
City:
S�o Jos� dos Campos
State:
S�o Paulo
Country:
Brasil