Mezcla / In My Mind

Release Date: 16th June 2023

Digital Format / UBU0141

Left to right: Joshua Elcock, Stephen Henderson, David Bowden, Alan Benzie, Michael Butcher, Ben MacDonald (Photographer: Somhairle MacDonald)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the release of In My Mind, the new EP from the Glasgow-based jazz fusion ensemble, Mezcla. This is the follow-up to their acclaimed album, Shoot the Moon.

Led by bass player David Bowden, Mezcla's distinctive sound mixes different influences, notably jazz, funk, rock and world music. This new offering is an eclectic collection of tracks that wander down different musical avenues.

David explains: “This EP is both the next step for the band and a foray in several different directions. It could be seen as a sampler of what is to come from us in the future. Across the four tracks we have a collaboration with incredible singer Luca Manning, inspiration from anime, a piece based on Kazuo Ishiguro literature and a live recording, together showcasing the full range of the band’s sound. We hope that people enjoy it!”

David Bowden and Luca Manning (Photographer: Michael Butcher)

The title track, a collaboration with singer Luca Manning, is a poignant exploration of youthful desire and self-discovery, set against Mezcla's trademark fusion sound. David and Luca wrote the song during lockdown, mainly using WhatsApp voice notes. David would come up with chordal bass guitar grooves and Luca would sing melodies and lyrics over the different sections. The track was premiered in an online duo performance for the 2021 Edinburgh Jazz Festival, but always felt as if it would suit the full band.

Jiraiya builds on the Mezcla sound established in their debut album, with catchy melodies, heavy rhythm section grooves, and improvisation. The track is named after the band leader's favourite character from the popular anime series Naruto - Jiraiya the toad sage.

First Row: Joshua Elcock, David Bowden, Ben MacDonald. Second Row: Alan Benzie, Stephen Henderson. Back Row: Michael Butcher. (Photographer: Somhairle MacDonald)

Klara and the Sun, the third track of the EP, represents something of a departure from Mezcla’s previous music, exploring more ambient sounds and a range of textures. It is inspired by the dystopian novel of the same name by Kashuo Ishiguro and features a stirring trumpet solo from Joshua Elcock.

Rounding out the EP is a live version of Malarone Dreams - one of the first compositions written for Mezcla and a staple of the live set. It was written after a trip to Ghana where David had strange dreams after taking Malaria tablets. This performance was recorded live at the Glasgow Jazz Festival and showcases the band’s electrifying live sound.

David Bowden (Photographer: Greg Macvean)

David describes his relationship with Ubuntu Music: “After the experience of releasing our debut album, there was no doubt in my mind that Ubuntu was the right place to continue our journey. Martin (Hummel) has always been so supportive and it’s a pleasure to work with him. The Ubuntu roster is ever-growing and we’re very happy to be part of this diverse family of artists.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: When I was first introduced to Mezcla and their unique sound I described them as a growing dynamic of progressive jazz that refuses to be easily categorised by conventional terms. Their debut album is a testament to this. ‘In My Mind’ reinforces this and takes it to another level - bolder, braver, more confident, and even more diverse. David and his band fly the Scottish flag high, for the world to enjoy. This EP represents a logical progression in their journey to stretch the boundaries of what we call jazz. It’s a joy to have them continue in the Ubuntu Music Family.”

For further information, please contact:

David Bowden (Artist & UK Publicity): dwnboden@hotmail.com

Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com

BIOGRAPHIES:

DAVID BOWDEN

David is an award-winning bass player and composer based in Glasgow, 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’.

David is best known as a member of the Mercury Prize nominated Fergus McCreadie Trio. The band has released three albums, with ‘Forest Floor’ winning the 2022 Scottish Album of the Year award. They have toured extensively in the UK and abroad including appearances at Ronnie Scott’s, the Bimhuis, London Jazz Festival and SXSW.

David’s diverse musical palette is reflected in his main compositional project, the acclaimed jazz fusion ensemble Mezcla which ties together modern jazz with influences from funk, rock and folk music from West Africa, Latin America and beyond. The band released their debut album Shoot the Moon on the Ubuntu Music record label in 2020, receiving 5*s in the Scotsman and a nomination for the Scottish Album of the Year award.

David is also active in the folk/singer songwriter scene, regularly performing and recording with acts such as Robin Adams, Beth Malcolm, Avocet, Dosca, Finn Anderson. Orchestral work has included performing with the Scottish Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Ibiza and various musical theatre shows.

A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, David’s earlier musical career included winning the ‘Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year’ award and co-leading contemporary jazz quartet ‘Square One’, winners of the Peter Whittingham award.

MEZCLA

Mezcla are a Glasgow based jazz-fusion ensemble attracting attention for their soulful blend of eclectic jazz and infectious grooves. Led by David Bowden (member of Mercury Prize nominated Fergus McCreadie Trio) the line-up features some of the best of Glasgow’s vibrant young jazz scene. The name means ‘mixture’ and the band fuse a broad range of influences from jazz, funk, rock and world music into one voice. The Mezcla sound is distinguished by uplifting melodies, shimmering textures, and visceral improvisation.

The band released their debut album, Shoot the Moon, on the Ubuntu Music record label to critical acclaim – including ‘Best Band’ and ‘Best Album’ nominations at the Scottish Jazz Awards. The album also made the SAY Award longlist for the top 20 albums in Scotland across all genres. Performance highlights have included BBC Music’s Biggest Weekend, Belladrum Festival, Celtic Connections and London Jazz Festival.

“One of the most exciting bands on the Scottish Jazz scene at the moment”

BBC Radio Scotland

“A get-on-the-good-foot, Saturday-night romp with an enthusiastic embrace of African, Latin American and funk musics”

All About Jazz

"Fresh and vibrant"

BBC Radio 3

LINE-UP:

Joshua Elcock – Trumpet

Michael Butcher – Saxophone

Alan Benzie – Keys

Ben MacDonald – Guitar

David Bowden – Bass and Compositions