Percussionist [wimpLink artistId="4454185"]Francisco Mela[/wimpLink]'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 [wimpLink artistId="3505843"]Jason Moran[/wimpLink], guitarist/vocalist [wimpLink artistId="3586832"]Lionel Loueke[/wimpLink], bassist [wimpLink artistId="5978683"]Larry Grenadier[/wimpLink] (sideman with [wimpLink artistId="13979"]Brad Mehldau[/wimpLink] on a number of his CDs), and tenor saxophonist [wimpLink artistId="14026"]Mark Turner[/wimpLink]. Six of the eight compositions were penned by the leader. "Tierra and Fuego" is an intricate, adventurous melody with [wimpLink artistId="4454185"]Mela[/wimpLink]'s tense percussion lighting the fire under [wimpLink artistId="14026"]Turner[/wimpLink]'s burning tenor. The furious pulse of "Channel 2" propels [wimpLink artistId="14026"]Turner[/wimpLink]'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 [wimpLink artistId="4454185"]Mela[/wimpLink]'s newborn son, a joyful piece primarily focusing on [wimpLink artistId="3586832"]Loueke[/wimpLink]'s vocal and guitar. These enjoyable live performances show a lot of promise for [wimpLink artistId="4454185"]Francisco Mela[/wimpLink], as a drummer, composer, arranger, and bandleader. ~ Ken Dryden