577 Records Announces New Trio Release Featuring Rafael Zaldivar, Christian McBride & Francisco Mela

577 Records welcomes pianist Rafael Zaldivar to the label with ZALDIVAR | MCBRIDE | MELA: Meeting in New York, Volume One, featuring bassist Christian McBride (special guest) and drummer Francisco Mela, a long-standing member of the 577 Records roster.

Zaldivar is a deeply lyrical pianist with a near-romantic sensibility. His sound is open yet firm, exploratory while remaining consistently melodic, shaped by a strong sense of direction and clarity of phrasing. A natural fluidity runs through his musical language, defining his presence throughout the recording.

Francisco Mela contributes a highly developed rhythmic voice—dynamic, responsive, and constantly in motion. Energy and structure coexist in his work, with seamless movement between subtle detail and forward propulsion. His long-standing relationship with the label remains an essential part of its artistic identity.

Christian McBride appears in a setting that highlights his versatility beyond a strictly straight-ahead context. Grounded in deep tradition, he moves with ease and authority within a more open and exploratory framework, bringing clarity, balance, and weight to the trio sound.

Together, the three musicians form a coherent and focused musical dialogue, where individual voices remain distinct while contributing to a unified ensemble identity. The result is a recording defined by clarity of intention, strong musical communication, and a shared artistic vision.

As a label, 577 Records is proud to include this release in its catalogue. It stands as a significant addition to the label’s ongoing commitment to presenting distinctive voices in contemporary avant-garde, and experimental music.

“El pianista Rafael Zaldivar, el vocabulario y la expresión están a un nivel muy alto, el trio impecable, el bajo de Christian majestuoso y Mela divino! Todo en una sola palabra “Maravilloso.” - Chucho Valdés

ENGLISH VERSION OF THE ORIGINAL NOTE

“Pianist Rafael Zaldivar’s vocabulary and expression are at an exceptionally high level. The trio is impeccable, Christian’s bass is majestic, and Mela is simply divine! In one word: “Wonderful.” - Chucho Valdés

Rafael Zaldivar
ZALDIVAR | MCBRIDE | MELA:
Meeting in New York, Volume one
Special guest: Christian McBride

Rafael Zaldivar (artistic director, composer and pianist)
Christian McBride (bassist)
Francisco Mela (drummer)

Recorded April 14, 2026 at Sear Sound, New York City
Mixing and mastering by Jeremy Loucas at Sear Sound, New York City

Photography on cover by Kenneth Jimenez
Graphic design by Mark Smith

TRACKS:

1- I Can't Be Any Other Way (3:54)
2- Walking With Christian (9:26)
3- I Remember Monk (8:31)
4- Improvisation I (1:49)
5- Caribbu (5:12)
6- There is Always Time to Love (9:09)
7- Improvisation II (6:36)
8- Axis (9:07) (bonus track CD and DL only)

100% of profit from the sale of most of these albums
goes to the musicians