Francisco Mela: Jazz Musician in New York

About Francisco Mela

Francisco Mela is a Cuban drummer and percussionist whose work moves between jazz language and Latin rhythmic traditions, with tango also part of his recorded footprint. Based in New York’s performance circuit, he appears at venues such as Ornithology Jazz Club, including the series “Jazz at Ornithology — September 29.” Across projects he has shared bandstands with artists ranging from Kenny Barron and Paquito D’Rivera to Esperanza Spalding and Chucho Valdés, as well as local collaborators like Todd Herbert and Jeremy Manasia. His playing favors precision and propulsion over display.