Meet Mauro Refosco, Thom Yorke´s New Percussionist

Mauro RefoscoThom Yorke’s surprise announcement late last night that he’s formed a new group for two shows in LA in less than a week spread like wildfire throughout the blogosphere and news beast. What truly made bloggers swoon, however, was that Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea and Radiohead/McCartney producer Nigel Godrich are also in the band, enabling everyone to use their favorite word: supergroup.

We already know lots about Flea and Godrich, but if it’s truly a “supergroup,” we should learn a thing or two about his new percussionist as well. And in doing so, I’ve got a few more details to reveal from the man himself about the upcoming Yorke shows.

Mauro Refosco’s primary gig is as a member of Forro in the Dark, a NYC-based band that is touring the U.S. and Europe to promote their new album immediately following Yorke’s two LA concerts. Refosco’s other big claim to fame, however, is that he’s been working with David Byrne since 1994. In fact, he was working with Byrne in London this past summer when he met Yorke, Refosco revealed in an interview with Abril.com.

Also in that interview, the Brazilian-born percussionist said that Yorke is planning to play his entire solo album, The Eraser, four new songs, and one Radiohead tune for good measure, at the upcoming shows. Perhaps Yorke’s mysterious contribution to the Twilight soundtrack, “Hearing Damage,” will be one of said “new songs” and we’ll finally get to hear his interpretation of teenage vampire drama.

Meanwhile, check out Refosco’s band here, a blog Q&A here, or watch him jam with David Byrne here.