Vibraphonist Erik Charlston's quest for mind-bending music led him to one of the most celebrated musical geniuses and idiosyncratic minds of the past fifty years, the Brazilian composer/performer Hermeto Pascoal. The influence of Pascoal and his music led Charlston to create his JazzBrasil ensemble and to record this album.
Charlston was immediately attracted to the way Pascoal combined many different musical cultures with his own brilliantly twisted music. Charlston reflects: "Tradition and near insanity are close brothers in Hermeto's world."
JazzBrasil incorporates a tremendous blend of jazz and Brazilian music experts, including woodwind master Ted Nash, piano great Mark Soskin, bassist Jay Anderson, drummer/percussionist Rogério Boccato and percussionist Keita Ogawa (Snarky Puppy).
Personnel: Erik Charlston (vibes, marimba & vocals), Ted Nash (saxophones, flute & clarinet), Mark Soskin (piano, melodica), Jay Anderson (bass), Rogério Boccato (drums & percussion), Keita Ogawa (percussion)
