Only one of several configurations organized under the Chicago Underground umbrella, the Chicago Underground Trio consists of cornetist Rob Mazurek, percussionist Chad Taylor, and bassist Noel Kupersmith. This core trio released POSSIBLE CUBE in 1999, an album that showcased the group’s penchant for avant jazz, post-rock flavors, and kinetic improvisation. For 2000’s FLAMETHROWER, the group was joined by guitarist Jeff Parker, known for his work with Chicago post-rock icons Tortoise. Mazurek, Taylor, and Parker have recorded with other musicians as the Chicago Underground Orchestra (1998’s PLAYGROUND), as a Mazurek/Taylor duo (releasing TWELVE DEGREES OF FREEDOM and SYNESTHESIA, among others). Each group demonstrates a commitment to the same free yet intricate aesthetic. Their albums have appeared predominantly on the prestigious Thrill Jockey label.