1. Francisco Jose Mela is a Cuban drummer and percussionist who has performed with a wide array of prominent international Latin and jazz artists including Kenny Barron, Gary Bartz, JoAnne Brackeen, Jane Bunnett, Regina Carter, Anat Cohen, Paquito D'Rivera, George Garzone, Larry Grenadier, Stefon Harris, Lionel Loueke, Joe Lovano, Jason Moran, John Patitucci, John Scofield, Esperanza Spalding, Mark Turner, McCoy Tyner, Chucho Valdes, Kenny Werner, and many others.
Francisco Mela taught at Rafael's Cabrera Conservatory of Music and played with some of the country's top Latin jazz musicians, as well as leading his group, MelaSon Latin Jazz Band, that toured throughout Mexico.
Francisco Mela became the house drummer at the Wally's Cafe.
In 2005, Mela joined the quartet of saxophonist Joe Lovano.
Later that year, Francisco Mela was approached by McCoy Tyner to join his trio.
Francisco Mela was named the Twin Cities Jazz Festival's first artistic director in 2014, Before appointment, he served as artistic director for the Xalapa Jazz Festival in Veracruz, Mexico.
In late 2016, Francisco Mela was part of an inaugural ensemble that joined Afro-Cuban pianist Chucho Valdes and saxophonist Joe Lovano for an international tour throughout Europe and North America.
Tree Of Life, Francisco Mela's third recording and second release on Half Note, is an amalgamation of his favorite bands that inspired him to become a drummer.
The album is of particular significance to Francisco Mela as it was written in honor of one of his musical mentors, McCoy Tyner, and is a tribute to his late parents.
Francisco Mela's drumming is expressive and rudimentary perfect, laying down an expansive palette, while not crowding his fellow accompanists.