In 2020 Brian Marsella debuted a dynamic new octet on a Tzadik album called Gatos do Sul that straddles several complementary realms, dashing easily between post-bop, fusion, and Brazilian forms like choro, samba, and bossa nova with a heavy dose of razor-sharp improvisation. Marsella’s early boss Baptista, bassist Pablo Aslan, and drummer Tim Keiper power the music’s elastic grooves, with a gorgeous blend of saxophone, violin, flute, acoustic guitar, accordion, and the leader’s piano filling out the changing rhythmic landscapes with bubbling, ebullient melodies and fiery solos. He leads a stripped down version of the ensemble here with percussionist Baptista, saxophonist Jon Irabagon, and violinist Mark Feldman.

https://bigearsfestival.org/event/gatos-do-sul/