The news comes from Orange County, Virginia (USA) that bassist Christian de Mesones will release a new album. A lifetime ago, he was a New York City cab driver and heavy metal bassist who had a voracious appetite for the seedy decadence that the Big Apple music scene was known for in the 1980s. Determined to change his life, De Mesones made a complete turnaround, got clean and changed his musical muse to jazz funk. Dedicating his “second life” to pursuing his newfound passion for contemporary jazz and deep soul grooves spiced with Latin rhythms, De Mesones will release his second album ‘You Only Live Twice’ on April 12 on the That 555 Lyfe label. Christopher Valentine produced nine of the album's ten songs, all but one of which were original songs written or co-written by the Mesones. De Mesones' turnaround began decades ago, but it wasn't until March 2020 that he finally released his solo debut album 'They Call Me Big New York', just as Covid-19 put the world on lockdown. Three singles from the set, 'Big Tall Wish', 'Spirit' and 'Latin Jive Redux', charted on three national charts. However, pandemic restrictions limited De Mesones' ability to promote the project and grow its brand. A year later, de Mesones released a sultry, Latin-tinged version titled 'Hispanica'. A British DJ sent the song to two-time Grammy-winning keyboardist Bob James, who agreed to play piano on the track. The single went to No. 1 on the Billboard charts, de Mesones' first. He says: “I have always believed in the power of composition. One song can change the world. In my case, one of my own compositions changed mine forever. Before I released 'Hispanica' as a single, I thought it was my strongest composition yet. It was on my previous album as a vocal track, and on the advice of my radio promoter it was reimagined as an instrumental. I knew immediately that I wanted a piano for the melody. When the legendary Bob James played it, it was a fairy tale come true. It has become one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” said de Mesones. The successor 'In His Vision' followed in 2022, with sax by Eddie Baccus Jr. The new album starts with the title track, because Christian is a big fan of James Bond, and you notice that presence twice here. “The album's title track holds multiple meanings for me. Putting aside my love for the classic James Bond film with this title, it perfectly represents my second album release as a solo artist as well as the album artwork featuring my custom double neck bass. This song was composed many years ago and has come to fruition at a time when I have found true love and real purpose in my life. I believe in second chances, and love is definitely sweeter the second time around,” he said. Then the sultry seduction of the jazz funk number 'Sexy Beast', with the help of trumpeter Bill McGee & saxophonist Rob Maletick. “Throb! (Bass Godz Remix)' is a Multi bass track, because in addition to Christian, 4 other bass players participate: Bill Dickens, Brendan Rothwell, Andrew Gouche and Vail Johnson. Next comes 'Arrival', a “space jam”, which Christian wants to use as an opener at his concerts. 'Stay (Big New York Remix)' is a sensual R&B song, sung by Nes Powers, after which the lovely 'Sweetnight' was first sung, but appears here as an instrumental with Rob Zinn on trumpet. The second Bond song is 'Capsule in Space', by composer John Barry, but here on a funky Latin basis. 'In His Vision' follows next, again with Bill McGee and guitarist Drew Davidsen. On the single 'Hispanica' the great Bob James plays keyboards, after which Jaared Arosemena on sax and David Blamires can be heard vocally on the closing track and ballad 'Don Pedro'. Christian proves that he is active in various areas and that he feels reborn. A very nice album where the bass guitar is supported by many artist friends. Recommended!
		Tracks: You Only Live Twice Sexy Beast Throb!” (Bass Godz Remix) Arrival Stay (Big New York Remix) Sweetnight Capsule In Space In His Vision Hispanica Don Pedro Christian de Mesones