REVIEW: Mezcla 'Shoot The Moon' Album

Germany’s Rolf Thomas from Jazz Thing writes, “This is sometimes reminiscent of the early Return To Forever, sometimes of Iraqis or the US newcomers from Solid Bronze.”

Mezcla

Shoot the Moon

(Ubuntu / weareubuntumusic.com)

Mezcla means something like mixture - and in this case it's a mixture of South American flair, funk with a lot of soul and a certain fusion crunch. Most surprisingly, this tasty mixture comes from Glasgow of all places. The band leader is bassist David Bowden, who emphasizes that Mezcla's focus is on grooves and catchy melodies. Tenor Michael Butcher and trumpeter Joshua Elcock provide animated solos and sharp riffs, keyboardist Alan Benzie contributes mostly pearly Rhodes sounds, while drummer Stephen Henderson and percussionist Steve Forman bring the hot mix to a boil. This is sometimes reminiscent of the early Return To Forever, sometimes of Iraqis or the US newcomers from Solid Bronze.

—Rolf Thomas, Jazz thing 133

REVIEW: Mezcla 'Shoot The Moon' Album

UK Vibe’s Imran Mirza writes, “Shoot The Moon is a project that finds itself very much at home amongst Ubuntu’s best and it’s incredibly easy to see why the label have greeted Mezcla with such enthusiasm – a contemporary jazz record that imaginatively intertwines elements of Latin as well as African rhythms over the course of the project’s nine tracks.”

For the full review, please click on the image, above.

REVIEW: MEZCLA ‘SHOOT THE MOON’ CD (UBUNTU MUSIC) 4/5

UK Vibe’s Imran Mirza writes, “Expectations must have been high for Mezcla’s debut album after the attention they’ve garnered over the years so the exceptional quality of ‘Shoot The Moon’ must come with considerable pride for all involved.”

For the full review, please click on the image, above.

Mezcla Earn First Big Debut Album Review!

Bebop Spoken Here writes, “The fun the band are having is palpable throughout.”

For the full review, please click on the image, above.

★★★★★ Mezcla is Seeing Stars ★★★★★

5 Star Review from The Scotsman!!!!!

Ubuntu Music Signs Glasgow-Based Mezcla For Debut Album Release

MEZCLA

Shoot The Moon / UBU0047 / 7th February 2020

Left to Right: Joshua Elcock, Ben MacDonald, Michael Butcher, Stephen Henderson, David Bowden, Alan Benzie

Ubuntu Music is proud to announce the signing of Mezcla, to release 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.

From Left to Right: Steve Forman, Ben MacDonald, David Bowden, Stephen Henderson, Joshua Elcock, Alan Benzie, Michael Butcher

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 Bowden

David’a 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!”

Left to Right: Steve Forman, Rachel Lightbody, David Bowden, Michael Butcher, Joshua Elcock, Alan Benzie

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.”

For further information, please contact:

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

To hear/view Mezcla’s performance at BBC Introduces Jazz Nights at The Quay (Glasgow), please click on the image, below.