Francisco Mela - Cirio: Live At The Blue Note (2008)

Percussionist Francisco Mela's second CD as a leader is a compelling blend of many influences, mixing neo-bop, Cuban jazz, and South African jazz, with a fine cast in support that includes pianist Jason Moran, guitarist/vocalist Lionel Loueke, bassist Larry Grenadier (sideman with Brad Mehldau on a number of his CDs), and tenor saxophonist Mark Turner. Six of the eight compositions were penned by the leader. "Tierra and Fuego" is an intricate, adventurous melody with Mela's tense percussion lighting the fire under Turner's burning tenor. The furious pulse of "Channel 2" propels Turner's far-reaching solo, while the mysterious, somewhat eerie "Cirio" is dedicated to the leader's late father, who died shortly before the recording sessions. "Ulrick Mela" is named for Mela's newborn son, a joyful piece primarily focusing on Loueke's vocal and guitar. These enjoyable live performances show a lot of promise for Francisco Mela, as a drummer, composer, arranger, and bandleader. -- Ken Dryden