Mestizo

Steam Down's multi-instrumentalist composer, producer and founder Wayne Francis aka Ahnansé, together with Mambo Negro Records founder Daniel Michel have brought together a groundbreaking British-Colombian ensemble to produce a captivating debut album – Mestizo. A term used to describe people of mixed heritage in Colombia, Mestizo engages with the diaspora roots of its British and Colombian musicians. And this self-titled album is as energetic as it is eclectic. Mestizo draw on and artfully experiment with interpretations of Colombian folk traditions, London's bustling jazz scene and the unmistakable rhythms of UK grime and hip-hop. The result? An upbeat and beautiful album that centres community and radiates joy. Eight tracks skilfully blend the sounds of currulao and cumbia, salsa and rap, electronic, and of course jazz improv, imbuing the composition, arrangement and recording with spirit. The album has been collaboratively composed by 21 artists, all rising names in the UK and Colombia's music scenes. Its opening track, ‘Arroyo’, oozes new jazz: it is dynamic and neatly put together, maintaining that percussive improvisatory feel. In this space, the kinetic sounds are met with mellifluous vocals, giving so much depth to the composition and harmony. From Colombian indigenous gaita flute to sensual neo-soul, this album brings warmth and approachable groove – speaking to the jazz renaissance that has swept across Britain in recent years.