eclectic and collaborative jazz fusion
Mela was started by Frank Valente and Paul Sottnik while they were studying music at SUNY Fredonia. Before graduating they recorded the original Mela album in 2016 with drummer, Jake Payne. For the next few years the band performed regularly in Western New York. The band last met in January 2019 to record their new album "Mela Two".
MELA MUSICIANS
Paul Sottnik - Keyboards, Vocals, Guitar, Composition
BA in music from Fredonia State University
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Frank Valente - Vibraphone, Composition
Jazz Masters at Fredonia State University
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Jake Payne - Drumset, Composition
Jazz Masters at SUNY Purchase
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To schedule or work with the Mela Ensemble send a message to music@melacollective.com​
NOTEABLE COLLABORATORS
Bruce Johnstone - saxophone / flute
Carlos Rivera - saxophone
Tyler Will and Jaden Zhang - recorded Mela Two
Mike Sisto - played bass for shows in 2017
Shea Glasheen - played bass on the first album
Mitch Marg - percusion
Sam Shafer - played guitar for shows in 2017
Allen Harris - is a blues guitar master
PERFORMANCE VENUES
12 Gates Brewing Buffalo, NY
Lockhouse Distillery Buffalo, NY
Mojo's Jamestown, NY
Nietzsche's Buffalo, NY
Slyfest (2017) WNY
The Bugjar Rochester, NY