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Rob Mazurek Exploding Star Orchestra: Lightning Dreamers
Mazurek's eighth instalment of his Exploding Star Orchestra (ESO) explorations, Lightning Dreamers, follows his 2020 release Dimensional Stardust (International Anthem Recording Co.) with a slightly smaller ensemble, this time an octet which is expanded on the track "Black River" by samples of a much larger ESO live performance from February, 2022. That performance included the trumpet of Jaime Branch who would depart this life later that same year at just 39 years old.
The sounds are an amalgamation of concepts from the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Miles Davis' electric years and, of course, Sun Ra's explorations. While these are important touchstones, Mazurek creates his own distinct sound. The pulse of "Future Shaman" draws from a quirky funk via Mauricio Takara and Gerald Cleaver's percussion, the electric keyboards attack of Craig Taborn and Angelica Sanchez, and Jeff Parker's corkscrew guitar. Interspersed throughout is Damon Locks' poetry and sampling which colors, mixed and mashed with most excellent soloes by the likes of flutist Nicole Mitchell, Jeff Parker, and Mazurek himself on trumpet and various electric treatments. If Sun Ra was the oracle of the 20th century, Mazurek is certainly the leading candidate for the 21st.
Track Listing
Future Shaman; Dream Sleeper; Shape Shifter; Black River; White River.
Personnel
Rob Mazurek
trumpet
Jeff Parker
guitar
Craig Taborn
piano
Angelica Sanchez
piano
Damon Locks
composer / conductor
Gerald Cleaver
drums
Mauricio Takara
percussion
Nicole Mitchell
fluteAdditional Instrumentation
Rob Mazurek: director, composer, trumpets, voice, launeddas, electronic treatments; Craig Taborn: wurlitzer, moog matriarch; Angelica Sanchez: wurlitzer, piano, moog sub 37; Damon Locks - voice, electronics, samplers, text.
Album information
Title: Lightning Dreamers | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: International Anthem Recording Company
About Rob Mazurek
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