Mazurek is like a boy meeting his hero. He talks of Dixon with revere and awe. For him, Dixon is a living legend, above mere mortals. His trumpet is a thing of beauty, full of voice and character. Dixon is one the most lyrical musicians in the free jazz movement. His sound comes deep from within, reaching out like fingers in the dark, exploring areas that few have dared. Mazurek calls Dixon “a true artist, who never sacrificed integrity for a lower form of artistry. I know of his music and writings and art. I will say that every time I hear even one note from Bill, it is a lesson in sound and life.”

As for Mazurek, his music is alive. It grows and exists purely on its own terms. It fills him and drives him further every day. Mazurek defies categorization simply by ignoring it. His music is essential to his way of life, and that comes through especially strong on “Constellations.” “[I find] my own abstract melodic ideas,” he says. “[They are] my own way of building chord and sound structures that don’t necessarily correspond with the so-called correct way of doing things.”

The true value of the music, for Mazurek, is the truth and candor that music creates. Mazurek seeks structures and ideas that let performers interpret sounds in their own unique way, with as much freedom as possible within the given framework. “I like to create pieces that project life, and perhaps push the boundaries a bit to find something else,” says Mazurek. “Risk plays a large part, but perhaps a rehearsed and exacting risk is more the point.”

Mazurek’s next risk? “I want to form the Exploding Star International, and have musicians from all over the world participate.”

-Charlie Swanson

Exploding Star Orchestra: www.robmazurek.com
Thrill Jockey Records: www.thrilljockey.com

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Posted to Music Features on Sunday, May 11th, 2008 by Justin.