MEZCLA: Shoot The Moon (UBU0047)
Mezcla are a Glasgow-based jazz/world 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, who are attracting attention for their innovative blend of soulful jazz and energetic grooves.
The name Mezcla means ‘mixture’ and their music skilfully combines 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, Stephen Henderson (Jazzwise ‘One to Watch’ 2018) on drums and Steve Forman (veteran LA studio musician) on percussion.
Nominated for ‘Best Band’ at the 2018 Scottish Jazz Awards, they have been supported by prestigious shows on Jazz FM, BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 3. Highlights of their career to date have included a sell-out gig at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, a notable set at BBC Music’s ‘Biggest Weekend’ and a high-impact performance at the 2018 London Jazz Festival.
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 has been described by BBC Radio 3 as ‘a gifted bass player’.
Having studied jazz at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, David 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. Bowden’s varied musical palette is reflected in Shoot The Moon – his first major body of recorded work.
Describing the project, Bowden 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 melodies, and the band bring some incredible improvisation to the table.....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!”
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 them join us.”
