Mezcla
Mezcla on ubuntu music
Ubuntu Music is proud to announce the signing of Mezcla, and the release of their debut album, ‘Shoot The Moon’, worldwide on 7th February 2020.
Mezcla are a Glasgow-based world/jazz fusion ensemble currently making waves throughout the UK. Led by bass player David Bowden (BBC Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year 2017), the band features some of Scotland’s brightest stars and is attracting attention for its innovative blend of soulful jazz and energetic grooves.
The name Mezcla means ‘mixture’ and the music draws from a wide range of genres and moods. Skilfully fusing modern jazz with African, Latin-American and RnB music influences, Mezcla’s music is distinguished by its uplifting melodies, shimmering textures, and visceral improvisation.
The line-up includes Michael Butcher on tenor sax, Joshua Elcock on trumpet, Alan Benzie (Berklee Billboard winner) on keys, Ben MacDonald on guitar, David Bowden on bass and compositions, Stephen Henderson (Jazzwise ‘One to Watch’ 2018) on drums and Steve Forman (veteran LA studio musician) on percussion.
"Fresh and vibrant... really uplifting jazz with world music flavours”
BBC Radio 3
Nominated for ‘Best Band’ at the 2018 Scottish Jazz Awards, they have been touted by Jazz FM, BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 3. Recent highlights have included a sell-out gig at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, BBC Music’s ‘Biggest Weekend’, and London Jazz Festival 2018. Their debut album ‘Shoot the Moon’ will be released on Ubuntu Records in 2020.
Bassist David Bowden, Mezcla’s leader, is an award-winning bass player and composer working primarily in the fields of jazz, folk and contemporary improvised music. A mainstay of the Scottish scene, David has toured the UK and Europe extensively and was described by BBC Radio 3 as ‘a gifted bass player’.
Originally from London, David studied jazz at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and won ‘BBC Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year’ in 2017. He has spent time studying abroad in Amsterdam and Ghana and is involved in Scottish music education at all levels.
David’s varied musical palette is reflected in his main compositional project - the acclaimed world/jazz fusion ensemble ‘Mezcla’ which ties together modern jazz with influences from West Africa, Latin America and RnB. The band has appeared across the UK and will be releasing their debut album in 2020.
"Gleefully combining African, Latin American and even Scottish influences
with exuberant energy"
The Scotsman
Describing the project, David explains, “Shoot the Moon is the culmination of almost three years of gigging, rehearsing and growing as a band. I started Mezcla a few years ago as a way to combine all my musical influences into one voice. The music itself is a mixture of all the styles of music that I enjoy playing the most - there’s elements of jazz, funk, folk and ‘world’ music all combined into one. Our focus as a band has always been on grooves and catchy melodies, and the guys in the band bring some incredible improvising to the table.
“This band consists of some of my favourite musicians and closest friends on the Glasgow jazz scene. While I write all the music, it’s constantly workshopped through playing live and this album is a great representation of all that we’ve been working on. It’s very exciting for us to finally be bringing this album into the world!”
David continues by describing how he came in contact with Ubuntu Music: “I’ve been aware of Ubuntu Music for some time and it means a lot to us to release our debut album on the Label. Ubuntu has a great reputation for showcasing a diverse range of music and there are so many incredible artists on the roster - it’s very exciting to be included among them!
“The relationship started when I met Martin fleetingly at a gig I was doing in London with another band. I later sent him a demo of this album and (despite us only having met once) he was immediately supportive and encouraging of the project. Martin clearly has a very ‘hands-on’ approach with his artists and his passion and drive are infectious. I’m sure that working with Martin we will be able to share our music with a wider audience than would have been possible. We look forward to being part of the Ubuntu Music Family!”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, describes the Label’s latest signing: “David and Mezcla represent a growing dynamic of progressive jazz that refuses to be easily categorised by conventional terms. Their music is a blend of various genres that seamlessly come together to seduce the listener. Mezcla are a part of an exceptional wave of talent from Scotland and have earned their status as a vital part of this thriving jazz community. It is a pleasure to have these guys join us.”