Francisco Mela & Cuban Safari with Special Guest Esperanza Spalding, Tree of Life

AVAILABLE IN STORES AND ONLINE SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

New York, August 25, 2011 – Drummer Francisco Mela presents his second release on Half Note, a tour-de-force featuring 10 newly conceived compositions. With the help of his band, Cuban Safari, Mela offers a passionate fusion of Cuban polyrhythms and propulsive modernism. Renown for his play with Joe Lovanoʼs Us Five, Mela and the full scope of his musicianship take center stage with an unexpected turn as a vocalist, duetting with pianist Elio Villafranca, and trading improvs with Special Guest Esperanza Spalding. Tree Of Life is spirited evidence of Melaʼs distinguished place among young group leaders.

TRACK TITLES
1. Retrograde
2. Africa en mis Venas
3. Toma del Poder
4. Yadan Mela
5. Classico Mela
6. The Nearness of You
7. Yo Me
8. Just Now
9. Fiesta Conga
10. Gracias a la Vida