Normally many different international locations than Spain are thought of “jazz international locations”. I’ve skilled a number of wonderful musicians and bands in Andalucia in South Spain which have modified my perspective in a great way. Considered one of these are Roberto Cantero from Malaga together with his Quartet. (Picture above; Robert Cantero)
Nerja is a small city on the East facet of Malaga, identified extra for the spectacular Cuevas, one in all Europes largest cave constructions than for stay music. However the city has an idealistic tradition membership known as Ventana Abierta (Open Window) that organizes opera performances, flamenco competitions for younger folks and a roughly bi-weekly jazz membership at one of many city’s bars.
Right here jazz bands from the world – largely from Malaga, but additionally some from Granada, Sevilla or different cities in Andalucia – play for an viewers of round 40, which is the entire capability of the membership. And the concert events are all bought out. Two weeks in the past I noticed the superb Juan Caballero Trio with Enrique Oliver, and this Friday it was Roberto Cantero’s flip.
I noticed Roberto Cantero and his band one yr in the past on the identical place, and it was an actual pleasure to see them once more. This time they’d a brand new bassist, Pablo Alfieri, whereas the pianist, Juan Carranque, and drummer Hernán Priore are the identical as final yr.
The music of Roberto Cantero Quartet are largely their very own compositions, with a jazz commonplace or two thrown into the combo, however organized within the fashion of the band. This implies a mixture of jazz, funk, some soul and likewise the Spanish flamenco – a gumbo that jogs my memory of artists like Gato Barbieri and a cool Chick Corea’s Return to Eternally.
The musicians are all wonderful and whereas the viewers had a extremely good time, it was additionally apparent that the band loved themselves. I’ve all the time liked listening to and seeing good musicians, and as a former (not excellent) bass participant, it was an additional bonus for me to see and listen to Pablo Alfieri on his 5 string bass. Each when he performed within the band and when he soloed.
Robert Cantero Quartet is a stable unit that must be on the posters for a lot of of Europe’s festivals, and I hope they arrive to Norway sooner or later. When you have an opportunity to see them, do it! You’ll remorse it in case you don’t!
All photographs are © Per Ole Hagen.The photographs usually are not for use wherever with out written permission.
