Thursday, June 2nd 7pm

“Krakowski combines the traditional Brazilian repertoire of rhythms with the cycles of Cuba’s sacred batá drumming to create free improvisations around Brazilian folk themes.” – TIM WILKINS, NPR

“…a percussion explorer…” – JON PARELES, NY TIMES

“Taking that most common of Brazilian instruments, the pandeiro, he has transformed it into an astonishing rhythmic force.” – JOE NOCERA, NY TIMES

“Sergio Krakowski is a great musician.” – GONZALO RUBALCABA

Groundbreaking Brazilian percussionist and composer Sergio Krakowski celebrates the release of his second CD as a leader, “Pássaros – The Foundation of the Island,” with his trio featuring guitarist Todd Neufeld and pianist Vitor Gonçalves.

The album, available from Ruweh Records and on iTunes, features transformative explorations of Brazilian-based rhythms. “In Brazil, it’s the drum that connects us to the earth,” says Krakowski. “We drum, and we dance. We have the Orixás operating in us. That’s our way forward.”

“Pássaros – The Foundation Of The Island” features the trio’s interpretations of Krakowski’s compositions and the American folk song “Wayfaring Stranger” in a stripped-down setting. Rhythms subtly shift to create a sense of metamorphosis as the three musicians improvise.

Krakowski, 36, plays the pandeiro, or Brazilian tambourine. In his hands, this humble instrument becomes a “hand drum kit” full of rhythmic possibilities. He integrates his homeland’s rhythms with those of other complex traditions, such as Cuba, India and North Africa.

 “There are musicians who, in their time, don’t just play the music of their day but innovate, creating new sounds and ideas.Sergio Krakowski is in that category,” says the New York Times’ Joe Nocera.