CYRO BAPTISTA & BRIAN MARSELLA DUO «These are the songs »

Feb 2020

"folk-rooted party music with an avant edge - music to dance and think (...)“ Tom Greenland

"Rarely can music sound so adventurous, without relinquishing accessibility” Martin Longley (All About Jazz)

Brazilian percussion wizard Cyro Baptista and keyboard maverick Brian Marsella perform a suite of semi-improvised pieces sizzling with electric chemistry. A new program of composed pieces for percussion, piano and a lot more! Cyro Baptista is known for his unique charm and undeniable rhythmic drive. He has performed on numerous Grammy Award-winning recordings, and collaborating with myriad luminaries such as Trey Anastasio, John Zorn, Paul Simon, Herbie Hancock, Laurie Anderson, Yo-Yo Ma, Medeski, Martin & Wood and Sting. He is described by Thom Jurek of All Music, as “simply one of the most limitless musicians we have”.

Pianist Brian Marsella has risen to the top rank of NYC jazz pianists. Currently, Marsella has 11 albums out as a leader or co-leader with his groups The Flail, iMAGiNARiUM, and his trio with Trevor Dunn and Kenny Wollesen. Brian can also be heard on over 30 other albums including 12 on John Zorn's TZADIK label. Since 2004, Marsella has been of member of Cyro Baptista's Beat the Donkey and Banquet of the Spirits. Brian's touring and recording credits include John Zorn, Cyro Baptista, Matisyahu, Marshall Allen, Hassan Hakmoun, Billy Martin, Nels Cline, Zion80 and Yemen Blues.
“The classically trained Marsella displayed dizzying technique while imbuing pieces with an authentic soul-jazz feeling” - Bill Milkowski