Mescalero is the fourteenth studio album by the American rock band ZZ Top. It was released in September 2003, as the band's final release for RCA Records. While the band still retained their foundation in blues rock, Mescalero explored genres like country and Tejano. Recording sessions took place at Foam Box Recordings in Houston, with Billy Gibbons as producer.
1993, ZZ Top signed with RCA Records, which produced Antenna (1994), Rhythmeen (1996), and XXX, the latter of which marked the band's thirtieth anniversary and received mixed reviews from critics. They mostly toured in the years between XXX and Mescalero, visiting Australia, New Zealand and various countries in Europe. In 2002, the band performed at the annual RodeoHouston and with Brooks & Dunn on CMT Crossroads. They went on a short Casino Tour in the United States and European Tour.
Billy Gibbons – guitar, vocals, producer Dusty Hill – bass guitar, backing vocals, lead vocal on "Piece" Frank Beard – drums, percussion
Marimbas de Chiapas – marimba Dan Dugmore – pedal steel guitar James Harman – harmonica
Joe Hardy – engineer, mixing Gary Moon – mastering Steve Ralbovsky – A&R Ryk Maverick – album cover design Mike Waring – photography
