ALACRAN by Mario Scaramuzza

A warm and grounded tone that dances between the spiritual and the unpredictable, Saxophonist Mario Scaramuzza invites his family of friends to join him in creating Alacrán. A tapestry of musical traditions from the familiar Candome and Tango rhythms of Mario’s upbringing to the improvised free Jazz sounds that inspired him to pick up the saxophone, this debut project captures the range of his musical exploration to date.

Argentinian Pianist Leo Genovese adds his genre bending riffs that are his signature while Argentinian drummer Juan Chiavassa, Italian Bassist Francesco Marcocci, Uruguayan drummers Arturo, Chino, Fabricio, Sergio and Claudito round out the collaboration. The album also includes features from Tango legend Tata Cedron, Spanish Flamenco singer Ismael Olla and Maryta de Humahuaca. Alacran is a journey of melodic vignettes that tell the story of an unconventional life, that of a man and musician who is resilient and has lived the beauty of the world traveled.

Mario’s story begins in Córdoba, a city in central Argentina, where he was first introduced to Jazz music from a Dizzy Gillespie CD he was gifted as a teenager. Mesmerized by the foreign sounds, Mario sought out and listened to all of the Jazz he could find. Compelled by the genre’s originality, its ability to cross borders and its international appeal, Mario’s next move was inevitable. He decided to learn the saxophone, first on his own and then studying at the Félix Garzón Provincial Conservatory. Eventually, he followed his curiosity which led him to New York City where Mario earned a degree in Music from The City College of New York. Mario is an established Brooklyn resident whose love of the instrument has also made him a sought after woodwind repairman. Mario is creating music and a lifestyle rooted in his connection to his international familia of musicians.

Bio in Album description
Photographs by Nicolas Manassi