Instrument: Drum set, hand percussion, and Hydraulophone (only when having lucid, fantastical daydreams)
Year Joined the Band: 2013
Favorite Esquires Tune: What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve or Sing Sing Sing : )
Musical Influences: Good Music of whatever genre! But I’ve been very much influenced by Phil Collins, Genesis, and Sting
Studying / Profession: Studied psychology in order to judge others and myself simultaneously more stringently and mercifully.
Hobbies: Pretending I want to do anything other than play music for a living
A Little Something About You: Based in Los Angeles, Mel has been playing drums and percussion live and in the studio for over 25 years and has performed internationally and across the United States with a variety of artists across multiple genres. Believing his musical talents are a gift from Jesus, Mel is blessed be part of the Fabulous Esquires Big Band. Also, I’m full-blooded Puerto Rican!
Best Part of Being an Esquire: Getting to interact with the other musicians and pass on Big Band Swing music.