Brandon Mezzelo

This jazz group consists of 2 to 6 members depending on the clients needs. The band has an extensive repertoire of jazz standards (Miles Davis, Cole Porter, John Coltrane) as well as original and modern songs. Trumpet and Sax combine to make great swinging melodies shine and very thoughtful and soulful solos. Brandon Mezzelo is a highly experienced and veteran performer having traveled nearly all the European continent and played several jazz and blues festivals in the U.S.

A professional jazz vocalist can be added in some cases for dinners and dances.

Bio:

Brandon Mezzelo ---- professional saxophonist and composer living and working in Springfield, Missouri. He has returned to the U.S after living in Budapest, Hungary for two years. His band (The Triptet) had his version of the classic "Moanin'" featured on the 'Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show BBC 6'

Currently his projects include:
The Haüs Jazz (Thursday nights at the Dugout Bar & Grill)
'All Hands on Deck' (WWII Style Radio Show / Branson, Mo)
'Saturday in the Park' (Chicago Tribute Band)
'Studio 54' (Late 70's Disco Tribute Band)

Brandon Mezzelo was born in Peoria, Ill. He began his career playing with jazz and blues bands at the age of 16. After a brief apprenticeship with local bands and the legendary drummer Buddy Miles in Chicago, he joined the U.S Army band in 1992. During the next eight years he would be the lead tenor player for 3 Army bands; Wurzburg, Bamberg, Weisbaden: Germany. He has traveled most of Western and Eastern Europe playing hundreds of concerts for large audiences. During this time he co-founded the Acid Jazz group "Superfro" with his long time friend and trumpet player Keith Moyer. This band had success in venues that many jazz bands were unable to perform in, dance clubs and festivals specifically. This group is still together today carried on in great tradition by the other three original members. it was also in Germany that he built a life long friendship and musical partnership with well known German guitarist/producer Uwe Bossert (Stereolove, Reamon)

Upon return to the United States in 2000, Brandon attended Missouri State University, holding down the principal tenor chair for another 4 years. During this time he was able to form great friendships with local musicians and greats like Richard Bruton and Johnny Strickler. In 2005 he moved to St. Louis, MO. to further his professional career. He was fortunate enough to play with some of St. Louis' finest musicians; Charlie Glynn, Kim Massie, Anita Rosemond, Ron Carr, and is on the last CD release of legendary St. Louis guitar player, Billy Barnett. In 2007, Mr. Mezzelo went on tour with R & B great Floyd Taylor (son of Johnny Taylor) helped to headline the Detroit Blues Festival, along side such classic artists as Bobby Bland and Bobby Rush. In 2008 Brandon returned to Springfield, MO. to once again play with some familiar faces and become a well respected and notable local jazz musician. Brandon could be heard every Saturday night with the now epic and renowned jazz organ quartet 'The Ryan Talbot Experience' at the Springfield Brewing Co. He also played regularly with Springfield jazz singer Kristi Merideth and was also a featured soloist in the popular rock & soul band "The Detectives"

Brandon was one of the regular monthly hosts of the prestigous jam session at the Budapest Jazz Club, playing with the top tier of Hungary's jazz scene, such artists include; Tzsumo Arpad, Balazs Elemer, Balazs Joseph, Boglarka Csemer, Emilio and Janos Egri. He is also a special guest at the very popular 'Random Trip' music event held on Tuesday nights at the 'Instant' and on the 'A38', hosted by Delov Javor (Turbo). This modern and ecletic series have gave Brandon a chance to play with some of Budapest's hippest and up and coming artists, such as Julianna Fabian, Pely Barna and Greg Note. In his own jazz groups Brandon led a quartet, trio and duo. These formations include; Deszo Olah, Hars Viktor, Szalay Gabor and Kalmar Zoltan.

Recording and pushing the envelope of modern jazz is also a great pursuit of this talented and respected saxophonist. In 2010 before arriving in Budapest, Hungary he recorded 2 CD projects. the first as a soloist with the legendary blues band, Bel Airs at the world class Chapman studios in Kansas City, Missouri. The second an Acid Jazz project entitled 'Atomic Sunshine' showcasing his compositonal skills and creative efforts into the realm of electronic music.

Education:

Parkview High School --- (phone number hidden) (jazz band, concert band and music theory)

Southwest Missouri State University --- (phone number hidden) (Concert and Marching Band, Lab Band, Jazz Combo, music education)

U.S Army School of Music --- 1992 --- (music theory, concert band, jazz band, jazz combo)

University of Music, Wrzburg --- (phone number hidden) (Jazz Clinic and Masterclass, with Bob Minzter (93') and Jerry Bergonzi (94')

MIssouri State University --- (phone number hidden) (Music Education, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, principal tenor saxophonist)

Franz Liszt Academy of Music Budapes