Artist page

Rob Mazurek, born in 1966 in Jersey City, NJ, moved to Chicago as a pre-teen, where he began to develop his musical talents in the city's bop scene. Early in his career, he played with notable musicians such as pianist Kenny Prince and drummer Yoron Israel. His skills gained recognition through his quartet featuring drummer George Fludas, bassist John Webber, and pianist Randolph Tessler. In 1992, while in Edinburgh for an experimental theater piece with actor Kevin McCoy at the International Fringe Festival, Mazurek jammed with local musicians and received a warm reception. The following year, he booked his quartet at the Tron Tavern & Ceilidh House during the Fringe Festival, where they became a hit, leading to a recording contract with the British Hep jazz label. Inspired by the great trumpeter Don Cherry, Mazurek initially borrowed his lyricism but shifted his approach in the winter of 1995 when he began collaborating with guitarist Jeff Parker. This partnership opened him up to new sounds, influenced by the coloristic work of trumpeter Bill Dixon and the slowly evolving compositions of Morton Feldman. As their musical bond solidified, Mazurek formed the "Chicago Underground Orchestra," performing with a group of Chicago musicians, including his flexible drummer of choice, Chad Taylor, all dedicated to breaking down musical boundaries.

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