To date, celebrated Chicago musician Rob Mazurek’s solo endeavors have focused on his modular synthesizer and keyboard musings.

On “Rome,” Mazurek’s sensitivity on cornet is at the fore, but we also find him using various electronics, and seated at a piano. Here the presence of the piano is expanded. He plays it conventionally, with preparation, with direct manipulation of the piano’s interior, and as a resonator for his cornet to create ethereal, otherworldly overtones.

“Rome” was recorded and broadcast live for Italy’s Rai Radiotre Suite Jazz. The resulting recording captures the unique sensibilities of this master. Three decades of experimentation in creative improvisation, post-rock, noise and electronic music, and subverted world music lead Mazurek here. This refined solo recording offers listeners access to a new, distilled approach to his sound expression, which at times on this recording resembles contemporary classical music as much as any of these other disciplines. The sound, rich with raw emotion and spiritual contemplation, speaks for itself. Do not miss it.

Rob Mazurek is a composer, cornetist, and improviser, whose broad electro-acoustic palette defies simple categorization. His work has earned him a reputation as a respected figure in the international creative music and avant-jazz scenes. He is known for his expansive vision and vast catalog of over 350 compositions and 65 recordings. He leads and composes for projects ranging in size from solo to orchestra. His work has been featured in The Wire, DownBeat, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune.

All music by Rob Mazurek OLHO (ASCAP)

Recorded for Rai Radiotre Suite Jazz, November 4, 2014, Rome Sala A, Centro di Produzione Radio Roma | Rai Radiotre Suite Jazz executive producer Pino Saulo | Sound engineers Domenico Narducci and Fabio Melis, assisted by Piero Belloni | Music consultant Luigi Polsini
Produced by Rob Mazurek | Executive production by Pedro Costa for Trem Azul | Design by Travassos