Mauro Refosco is a Brazilian
percussionist
A percussion instrument is a musical instrument that is sounded by being struck or scraped by a beater including attached or enclosed beaters or rattles struck, scraped or rubbed by hand or struck against another similar instrument. Ex ...
. He is best known for working with singer
David Byrne
David Byrne (; born 14 May 1952) is a Scottish-American singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, writer, music theorist, visual artist and filmmaker. He was a founding member and the principal songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist of ...
and as the former touring and session percussionist for the American
rock
Rock most often refers to:
* Rock (geology), a naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals or mineraloids
* Rock music, a genre of popular music
Rock or Rocks may also refer to:
Places United Kingdom
* Rock, Caerphilly, a location in Wales ...
band
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock music, rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983, comprising vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea (musician), Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante. Their music incorporates element ...
. He is a member of the experimental
supergroup Supergroup or super group may refer to:
* Supergroup (music), a music group formed by artists who are already notable or respected in their fields
* Supergroup (physics), a generalization of groups, used in the study of supersymmetry
* Supergroup ...
Atoms for Peace
"Atoms for Peace" was the title of a speech delivered by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower to the UN General Assembly in New York City on December 8, 1953.
The United States then launched an "Atoms for Peace" program that supplied equipment ...
– featuring
Thom Yorke
Thomas Edward Yorke (born 7 October 1968) is an English musician and the main vocalist and songwriter of the rock band Radiohead. A multi-instrumentalist, he mainly plays guitar and keyboards and is noted for his falsetto. He has been describe ...
and
Flea
Flea, the common name for the order Siphonaptera, includes 2,500 species of small flightless insects that live as external parasites of mammals and birds. Fleas live by ingesting the blood of their hosts. Adult fleas grow to about long, a ...
– and the
forró
The term forró (*) refers to a musical genre, a rhythm, a dance and the event itself where forró music is played and danced. Forró is an important part of the culture of the Northeastern Region of Brazil. It encompasses various dance type ...
band
Forro in the Dark
Forro in the Dark is a New York-based collective of Brazilian expatriates that formed in 2002. The group combines the musical style of forró (pronounced "faw-HAW"), "the percussion-heavy, rhythmic dance music" of their native Brazil, with elemen ...
. Refosco was also briefly a member of
Dirty Projectors
Dirty Projectors is an American indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2002. The band is the project of singer-songwriter David Longstreth, who has served as the band's sole constant member throughout numerous line-up changes. The b ...
.
Since 2019, Refosco has appeared as one of the principal musicians in the
Broadway
Broadway may refer to:
Theatre
* Broadway Theatre (disambiguation)
* Broadway theatre, theatrical productions in professional theatres near Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
** Broadway (Manhattan), the street
**Broadway Theatre (53rd Stree ...
show, ''
American Utopia
''American Utopia'' is the tenth studio album by Scottish-American rock musician David Byrne, released on March 9, 2018 through Todo Mundo and Nonesuch Records. The release is his first true solo studio album since 2004's ''Grown Backwards'', a ...
'', featuring David Byrne and his music.
Early life and education
Refosco was born in the southern Brazilian state of
Santa Catarina. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Percussion from the
São Paulo State University
São Paulo State University (UNESP, pt, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho") is a public university run by the state government of São Paulo, Brazil.
UNESP has a combined student body of over 45,000 spread among its 23 c ...
in 1990 and moved to
New York City
New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the List of United States cities by population, most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the L ...
, in 1992, to pursue additional education. He graduated from the
Manhattan School of Music
The Manhattan School of Music (MSM) is a private music conservatory in New York City. The school offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in the areas of classical and jazz performance and composition, as well as a bachelor's in mu ...
with a Masters in Percussion in 1994.
Career
After completing his masters program he started recording and performing with various American artists.
He has written and produced music for
Off-Broadway
An off-Broadway theatre is any professional theatre venue in New York City with a seating capacity between 100 and 499, inclusive. These theatres are smaller than Broadway theatres, but larger than off-off-Broadway theatres, which seat fewer tha ...
productions, composed soundtracks for films and performed as a member of various bands.
Forro in the Dark
Forro in the Dark
Forro in the Dark is a New York-based collective of Brazilian expatriates that formed in 2002. The group combines the musical style of forró (pronounced "faw-HAW"), "the percussion-heavy, rhythmic dance music" of their native Brazil, with elemen ...
is a New York City-based group of Brazilian musicians who play a modern update on
forró
The term forró (*) refers to a musical genre, a rhythm, a dance and the event itself where forró music is played and danced. Forró is an important part of the culture of the Northeastern Region of Brazil. It encompasses various dance type ...
, a traditional music that originates from the Northeast of Brazil
On 16 October 2002 (Refosco's birthday), he invited some friends over for a forró-style jam session at
Nublu, a nightclub located in the
East Village district of
New York City
New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the List of United States cities by population, most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the L ...
. The group was such a hit that they started a weekly
residency
Residency may refer to:
* Domicile (law), the act of establishing or maintaining a residence in a given place
** Permanent residency, indefinite residence within a country despite not having citizenship
* Residency (medicine), a stage of postgrad ...
at the club.
Their public prominence increased due to their extended residency at Nublu, where they came into contact with prominent New York influence
David Byrne
David Byrne (; born 14 May 1952) is a Scottish-American singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, writer, music theorist, visual artist and filmmaker. He was a founding member and the principal songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist of ...
, who helped propel further recognition for the band when they collaborated on Forro in the Dark's 2006 album ''Bonfires of São João''.
The band have released two albums and one EP so far including 2006's ''Bonfires of São João'', 2008's ''Dia de Roda'' EP and 2009's ''Light a Candle''.
Atoms for Peace
In 2009, Refosco joined
Atoms for Peace
"Atoms for Peace" was the title of a speech delivered by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower to the UN General Assembly in New York City on December 8, 1953.
The United States then launched an "Atoms for Peace" program that supplied equipment ...
, a supergroup formed by the
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band formed in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke (vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards); brothers Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboards, other instruments) and Colin Greenwood (bass) ...
singer
Thom Yorke
Thomas Edward Yorke (born 7 October 1968) is an English musician and the main vocalist and songwriter of the rock band Radiohead. A multi-instrumentalist, he mainly plays guitar and keyboards and is noted for his falsetto. He has been describe ...
to perform songs from Yorke's debut solo album, ''
The Eraser
''The Eraser'' is the debut solo album by the English musician Thom Yorke, released on 10 July 2006 through XL Recordings. It was produced by Nigel Godrich, the longtime producer for Yorke's band Radiohead.
''The Eraser'' comprises electronic ...
'' (2006).
Refosco and the band recreated Yorke's electronic music with live instrumentation.
They toured the United States in 2010, and released an album,
''Amok'', in 2013.
''Amok'' was followed that year by a tour of Europe, the US and Japan.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
In 2011, Refosco performed on several tracks on the
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock music, rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983, comprising vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea (musician), Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante. Their music incorporates element ...
' album ''
I'm with You'' along with the
b-sides
The A-side and B-side are the two sides of phonograph records and cassettes; these terms have often been printed on the labels of two-sided music recordings. The A-side usually features a recording that its artist, producer, or record company ...
compilation, ''
I'm Beside You
''I'm with You Sessions'' (also known as ''I'm with You Singles Collection'') is a group of nine singles by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers featuring 17 songs recorded in contention for the band's tenth studio album, '' I'm with You'' ...
'', which was released in 2013. Refosco joined the band's touring lineup as a percussionist in 2011 for their ''
I'm with You World Tour
The I'm with You World Tour was a worldwide concert tour by American rock band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers in support of the band's tenth studio album, '' I'm with You''. It marked the band's first tour in four years and first with guitarist Josh K ...
''. During the band's encores, Refosco along with the band's drummer,
Chad Smith
Chad Gaylord Smith (born October 25, 1961) is an American musician who has been the drummer of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1988. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Smith is also the drummer of the ...
would usually start off with a lengthy drum/percussion jam showing off both musicians abilities. Refosco was featured on all of the band's live releases from the tour, which came to an end in April 2013. He would again hit the road with the band for another tour with dates all over the world scheduled from
May 2013 to June 2014. Refosco provided percussion on two songs for their 2016 album ''
The Getaway'' however he would not join them for the tour to support the album. Refosco made a surprise appearance during the band's 20 July 2017 performance in
Rome
, established_title = Founded
, established_date = 753 BC
, founder = King Romulus (legendary)
, image_map = Map of comune of Rome (metropolitan city of Capital Rome, region Lazio, Italy).svg
, map_caption ...
where he provided percussion on "
The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie
"The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, released as the first single from their tenth album ''I'm with You (album), I'm with You'' (2011). It was their first single since "Hump de Bump" in 2007, and their fi ...
".
Other work
![Songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno Tour performers](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Songs_of_David_Byrne_and_Brian_Eno_Tour_performers.jpg)
Since 1994, he has toured with
David Byrne
David Byrne (; born 14 May 1952) is a Scottish-American singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, writer, music theorist, visual artist and filmmaker. He was a founding member and the principal songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist of ...
,
most recently from 2008 to 2009 in support of his collaboration with
Brian Eno
Brian Peter George St John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno (; born Brian Peter George Eno, 15 May 1948) is a British musician, composer, record producer and visual artist best known for his contributions to ambient music and work in rock, pop an ...
, ''
Everything that Happens Will Happen Today
''Everything That Happens Will Happen Today'' is the second collaborative studio album by David Byrne and Brian Eno, released on August 18, 2008, by Todo Mundo. Marking Byrne's eighth studio effort overall and Byrne a ...
''.
Refosco has also been featured as a member of the music department, mainly as a percussionist on various movie and television projects including the 2007 animated movie, ''
Surf's Up'' in which he wrote the song, "Forrowest" with Forro in the Dark. The song also is featured on the soundtrack.
Refosco has also recorded with
Dirty Projectors
Dirty Projectors is an American indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2002. The band is the project of singer-songwriter David Longstreth, who has served as the band's sole constant member throughout numerous line-up changes. The b ...
on
their self-titled album.
Refosco is currently on tour with David Byrne in support of his album
American Utopia
''American Utopia'' is the tenth studio album by Scottish-American rock musician David Byrne, released on March 9, 2018 through Todo Mundo and Nonesuch Records. The release is his first true solo studio album since 2004's ''Grown Backwards'', a ...
.
Works
with
Forro in the Dark
Forro in the Dark is a New York-based collective of Brazilian expatriates that formed in 2002. The group combines the musical style of forró (pronounced "faw-HAW"), "the percussion-heavy, rhythmic dance music" of their native Brazil, with elemen ...
*''Bonfires of São João'' (2006)
*''Dia de Roda'' (2008)
*''Light a Candle'' (2009)
with
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock music, rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983, comprising vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea (musician), Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante. Their music incorporates element ...
*''
I'm with You'' (2011)
*''
Red Hot Chili Peppers Live: I'm with You'' (2011)
*''
Official Bootlegs'' (2011–2013)
*''
2011 Live EP'' (2012)
*''
I'm With You Sessions'' (2012–2013)
*''
I'm Beside You
''I'm with You Sessions'' (also known as ''I'm with You Singles Collection'') is a group of nine singles by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers featuring 17 songs recorded in contention for the band's tenth studio album, '' I'm with You'' ...
'' (2013)
*''
The Getaway'' (2016)
*''
Unlimited Love
''Unlimited Love'' is the twelfth studio album by the American rock band the Red Hot Chili Peppers, released through Warner Records on April 1, 2022. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album marks the return of guitarist John Frusciante, who left the ...
'' (2022)
with
Atoms for Peace
"Atoms for Peace" was the title of a speech delivered by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower to the UN General Assembly in New York City on December 8, 1953.
The United States then launched an "Atoms for Peace" program that supplied equipment ...
*''
Amok'' (2013)
with
David Byrne
David Byrne (; born 14 May 1952) is a Scottish-American singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, writer, music theorist, visual artist and filmmaker. He was a founding member and the principal songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist of ...
*''
Look into the Eyeball
''Look into the Eyeball'' is the sixth studio album by musician David Byrne, released on May 8, 2001. The single " Like Humans Do" was supplied with the Windows XP operating system to showcase Microsoft's Windows Media Player.
"" is a Spanish l ...
'' (2001)
*''
Grown Backwards
''Grown Backwards'' is the seventh studio album by musician David Byrne, released on March 16, 2004.
Reception
.
In 2010, Byrne claimed in his book '' How Music Works'' it has sold 127,000 physical albums, 8,000 digital albums and 53,000 di ...
'' (2004)
*''
Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
''Everything That Happens Will Happen Today'' is the second collaborative studio album by David Byrne and Brian Eno, released on August 18, 2008, by Todo Mundo. Marking Byrne's eighth studio effort overall and Byrne a ...
'' (2008)
*''
Love This Giant
''Love This Giant'' is a studio album made in collaboration between musicians David Byrne and St. Vincent (Annie Clark), released on 4AD and Todo Mundo on 10 September 10, 2012, in the United Kingdom and the following day in the United States. ...
'' (2012)
*''
American Utopia
''American Utopia'' is the tenth studio album by Scottish-American rock musician David Byrne, released on March 9, 2018 through Todo Mundo and Nonesuch Records. The release is his first true solo studio album since 2004's ''Grown Backwards'', a ...
'' (2018)
with
Jota Quest
Jota Quest is a Brazilian pop rock band. The band was founded in 1993 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais as ''J. Quest'', but due to trademark issues with Hanna-Barbera, they renamed themselves ''Jota Quest'' (''jota'' being the Portuguese name ...
*''Funky Funky Boom Boom'' (2013)
with
Dirty Projectors
Dirty Projectors is an American indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2002. The band is the project of singer-songwriter David Longstreth, who has served as the band's sole constant member throughout numerous line-up changes. The b ...
*''
Dirty Projectors
Dirty Projectors is an American indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2002. The band is the project of singer-songwriter David Longstreth, who has served as the band's sole constant member throughout numerous line-up changes. The b ...
'' (2017)
*''
Lamp Lit Prose
''Lamp Lit Prose'' is the eighth studio album by American experimental rock group Dirty Projectors, and was released on Domino Records on July 13, 2018.
Production
The album was produced by David Longstreth at his Los Angeles studio.
Relea ...
'' (2018)
Soundtrack / film / television
*''Side Streets'' (1998)
*''
Earthly Possessions'' (1999)
*''
The Backyardigans
''The Backyardigans'' is a computer-animated musical children's television series created by Janice Burgess. The series was written and recorded at Nickelodeon Animation Studio. It centers on five animal neighbors who imagine themselves on fantas ...
'' (2004)
*''
Ira & Abby
''Ira & Abby'' is a 2006 American romantic comedy film directed by Robert Cary and released in the United States by Magnolia Pictures. The poignant love story stars Chris Messina and Jennifer Westfeldt (who also wrote the screenplay) in the title ...
'' (2006)
*''
Surf's Up''
(wrote the song, "Forrowest") (2007)
*''
Be Kind Rewind
''Be Kind Rewind'' is a 2008 buddy comedy film written and directed by Michel Gondry, and starring Jack Black, Mos Def, Melonie Diaz, Danny Glover, Mia Farrow and Sigourney Weaver. The film first appeared on January 20, 2008 at the 2008 Sund ...
'' (2008)
*''
This Must Be the Place'' (2011)
*''
The Gracies and the Birth of Vale Tudo
''The Gracies and the Birth of Vale Tudo'' is a documentary film about the legendary Gracie family and the creation and expansion of Ultimate Fighting Championship around the world. It was directed by Victor Cesar Bota, who is also working on '' ...
'' (2014)
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Refosco, Mauro
Living people
Brazilian percussionists
Place of birth missing (living people)
Musicians from New York City
Atoms for Peace (band) members
Dirty Projectors members
São Paulo State University alumni
Manhattan School of Music alumni
The Lounge Lizards members
1966 births