Accordionist, Pianist and Composer Rob Curto, is an important force in world music and jazz. Originally trained in the jazz piano tradition and an early fan of swing music, 40’s popular music and bebop, Rob has dedicated himself to the accordion and some of the many musical traditions associated with the instrument. He spent years studying with and learning from some of the great Brazilian accordionists, such as Dominguinhos, Arlindo dos Oito Baixos, Camarão, Silveirinha and others. He then went on to establish a strong presence for Forró, the dance music of the northeast of Brazil in NYC. First at a weekly night in the east village club, Nublu, and then as leader of the band Forró For All, which has played at festivals such as the International Accordion Festival in San Antonio and the Festival for Cultural Exchange in Portland, Me.

Rob has further contributed to Brazilian music in NYC through his appearances with groups such as The Choro Ensemble (which specializes in Brazilian choro) and Nation Beat (a group dedicated to maracatu from the northeast of Brazil) During Rob’s time in Brazil he got to know, studied with and played with artists such as Hamilton de Hollanda, Yamandu, Alencar7Cordas, and Márcio Bahia. Rob recently recorded his upcoming release “Piano de Fole” under the musical direction of mandolinst Dudu Maia. Recorded in Brasília, Brazil, with musicians from Brasília and Rio (such as Fabio Luna and George Lacerda), this CD contains original compositions, improvisation and traditional Brazilian repetoire by composers such as Jacob do Bandolim, Jobim and Gonzaguinha. Furthermore, he has recently performed together with the great master of Brazilian accordionist Dominguinhos. In addition to his work with Forró For All and his instrumental group, Rob tours with world music artists such as Mexican singer Lila Downs and klezmer clarinetist David Krakauer. He has also recently recorded on Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All-Stars’ acclaimed CD, Carnival Conspiracy, on Beat The Donkey Beat, the latest release by master Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista and on Lila Downs’ La Cantina, recently released on Narada records. Rob’s contribution to these artists is considerable due to his great love and knowledge of the accordion and it’s position in the world, as well as a dedication to and passion for great music and musicians. Rob will be touring this summer in Europe with Lila Downs and with his group Forró For All in Sept./Oct. throughout the midwest and Canada. Rob uses exclusively Bell accordions.

Delightful, accordion-driven dance music from Northeast Brazil that melds Portuguese tunes and African rhythms with a sensibility born of New York's diverse and dynamic musical culture.

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