Events

ADRIÁN COSTA BLUES BAND

Adrián Costa – vocals, guitar
Gabri Casanovas - piano
Javi Geras - bass
Pascu Monge – drums

Adrián Costa, one of the most highly regarded representatives of national blues, joins harmonica player and pianist Víctor Puertas to present, for the first time at the Central, a genuine 1950s blues project. From the West Coast sound of T-Bone Walker, they will move through Chicago to plug their harmonica into a 5-watt amplifier like Little Walter, and finish with acoustic blues in the rural Mississippi style of Sonny Terry, always keeping New Orleans in mind. The audience will be able to enjoy songs from their latest live album recorded at Café Central.

ÁNGELA CERVANTES QUINTETO "ATEMPORAL"

Ángela Cervantes - vocals
Ariel Brínguez - sax
Javier Sánchez - guitar
Santi Greco - bass
Andrés Litwin - drums

A sonic ritual in more than seven languages. From Rumi to Drexler, from Fayruz to Valderrama, from Fauré to Ángela Cervantes, from the aria to the Ibizan song, from Mediterranean to Iberian tradition. A T E M P O R A L presents a repertoire that blends the mystical, bel canto, and popular music, folklore, and jazz. A journey with mixed roots and a universal message: singing what never fades.

ANGIE SÁNCHEZ - TIEMPO AL TIEMPO

Angie Sánchez - vocals, guitar
Charlie Bautista - vocals, guitar

Angie Sánchez is a multidisciplinary artist working across music, composition and visual creation. With a career developed from a very young age and after collaborating with prominent musicians on the national scene, she presents her debut album, Tiempo al tiempo.

This first release, made up of twelve songs, unfolds as a complete work that traces an emotional and personal journey. Each piece forms part of an intimate narrative in which the artist explores personal experiences and moments of transformation.

ASTRID JONES & THE BLUE FLAPS

Astrid Jones - vocals
Carlos Bratt - guitar
Carlos Soria - bass
Arnaldo Lescay - drums
Ernesto Millán - sax, keyboards

“Shine!”. It’s a statement of intent. A call to SHINE. With her new album, Astrid Jones & The Blue Flaps invite us to bring light to our personal story, to what defines who we are, and to embrace the beauty and strength that come from that awareness. A unique blend of multiple identities that musically translates into a combination of rhythms, harmonies, and melodies evoking soul, jazz, reggae, and African rhythms, with an elegant and very personal sound.

ASTRID JONES & THE BLUE FLAPS

Astrid Jones - vocals
Carlos Bratt - guitar
Carlos Soria - bass
Arnaldo Lescay - drums
Ernesto Millán - sax, keyboards

“Shine!”. It is a statement of intent. A call to SHINE. With their new album, Astrid Jones & The Blue Flaps invite us to illuminate our personal story, what defines who we are, and to embrace the beauty and strength that comes from that awareness. A unique blend of multiple identities, which musically translates into a combination of rhythms, harmonies, and melodies evoking soul, jazz, reggae, and African rhythms, with an elegant and highly personal sound.

BETTA & THE GROOVERS

Betta Berodia – vocals
Javier Díaz – piano
Marino Orejana – bass
David Carrasco – sax
Pascu Monge – drums

A project led by Madrid-born singer Betta Berodia, with influences from Chicago, where she lived part of her musical journey. Accompanied by the Groovers, they deliver a show filled with African American music, with a touch of elegance, strength, and expertise, thanks to the high caliber of the musicians in the band, their musical backgrounds, and their exquisite repertoire.

BOBBY MARTÍNEZ NEW SEXTET

Carlos Rossi – trumpet
Iñigo Gordejuela – piano
Darío Guibert – double bass
Cesar de Frias – drums
Nacho Fernández – guitar
Bobby Martínez – tenor saxophone

Bobby Martínez (Philadelphia) is a saxophonist, flutist, composer, and big band director.

Throughout his long musical career, he has shared the stage with figures such as Paquito D’Rivera, Tony Lakatos, Richie Cole, Pat Metheny, Paco de Lucia, Julio Iglesias, Joe Williams, Perico Sambeat, Chris Kase, Pepe Rivero, Miguel Ríos, Ana Belén, and many others.

BROTAR LIVIA GIAFFREDA & MARIO CARRILLO

Livia Giaffreda - voice, percussion
Mario Carrillo - double bass, square frame drum
Daniel García Diego - piano, square frame drum
Pablo Martín Jones - drums, percussion

A single path. To sprout.

The music that is born from the meeting of these two musicians seeks to explore the process of flourishing within the transformative cycles of life.

A luminous voice slides between the sinuous strings of a double bass, lets itself be guided by the waves of the piano, and places one step in front of the other guided by the rhythmic cadences of Afro-Latin cultures.

BUBA

Miguel Malla – sax
Andrés Chapapote – piano
Pablo Navarro – double bass
Gabriel Marijuan – drums

Buba is a Funk-Jazz band formed by four Madrid-based musicians with extensive experience in the field. Pablo Navarro: bass (Mastretta, Racalmuto, Josele Santiago…), Miguel Malla: alto sax (Los Ronaldos, Mastretta, Racalmuto…), Andrés Chapapote: organ and piano (Mighty Vamp, Watch Out, Mr. Kilombo…), and Gabriel Marijuan: drums (Coque Malla, Racalmuto, Josele Santiago…) came together two years ago to play at the dance session at Teatro del Barrio in Madrid, and the spark ignited. Since then, they have performed numerous shows where audiences always have a great time.

CANAL STREET JAZZ BAND

Jim Kashishian – trombone, voice
Benjamín Mitte – piano
Antonio Domínguez – double bass
Yevhen Riechkalov – trumpet
Raúl Rodríguez – drums

La Canal, with its five members, each contributing their ideas, develops not only a Jazz style but creates its own musical style that demonstrates enough appeal and energy to spread the joy inherent in Jazz across almost all its forms. With their experience, La Canal perfectly conveys Jazz and reinforces their image as the most distinguished band in Spain. They simply exude enviable dignity and schooling.

CARAMELO DE CUBA TRIO

Javier Gutierrez Massó “Caramelo” – piano
Ernesto Hermida – bass
Moisés Porro – drums

Pianist, percussionist, arranger, composer, and music producer. A major pioneer in the fusion of flamenco with jazz and Cuban music in Spain, considered by the international specialized press as one of the best Latin jazz pianists in the world.

Creator, promoter, and host of Spain’s top jam session, where his musical contribution was instrumental in leading the international specialized press to regard Madrid as the capital of Latin jazz.

CARMEN VELA QUARTET

armen Vela – flute, clarinet
Jorge Castañeda – piano
Ander García – double bass
Gonzalo Maestre – drums

“En Continuo” is the second album by Madrid-based flutist Carmen Vela. An album full of energy and immediacy. Music that tells cosmopolitan, light-filled stories through richly jazzy harmonies. Urban music that blends seamlessly with the quartet, creating a distinctive sound that moves between powerful, driving sonorities and the warm texture of wood. Poetic melodies play with different rhythms to create vibrant, living music.

CECILIA KRULL QUARTET

Cecilia Krull – vocals
Luis Guerra – piano
Francisco López “Loque” – double bass
Daniel García Bruno – drums

Cecilia Krull, from Madrid, with family roots in France, Cuba, Germany, and Spain, has established herself as a successful international songwriter and performer. She is known worldwide for “My Life Is Going On,” the main theme of Money Heist. Her career, which began in childhood, has shaped a voice capable of deeply moving audiences, thanks to an exceptional versatility that spans diverse genres, although her true home is jazz.

CECILIA KRULL QUINTET

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.
Calle del Prado, 21, 28014, Madrid

Cecilia Krull - vocals
Carlos Sarduy - trumpet
Luis Guerra - piano
Francisco López “Loque” - double bass
Alberto Brenes - drums

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.

Cecilia Krull has earned gold records in countries such as France and double platinum in Italy, becoming number 1 on global viral charts thanks to “My Life Is Going On,” the soundtrack of the hit series La Casa de Papel.

CELIA CARBALLO

Celia Carballo – vocals
Marcos Sánchez – piano
Marcos Collado – guitar
Yeray Jiménez – bass
Alberto Brenes – drums

Celia Carballo is a singer and songwriter trained in jazz, soul, and modern music, with a career of over twenty years on stage. Having started in music during childhood, she has developed her own language that combines technique, sensitivity, and improvisation, influenced by her training in Spain and France.

Throughout her career, she has performed at some of the main clubs and festivals and has collaborated with prominent musicians from the national and international scene. She has been part of various musical projects and has participated in recordings, audiovisual productions, and tours, consolidating a solid presence in the live music circuit.

CELIA MAYO & RICHARD KRULL TRÍO

Celia Mayo - voice
Richard Krull - piano
Toño Miguel - double bass
Dani García - drums

Richard Krull’s trio is made up of musicians with long careers as leaders of their own groups and proven creative ability. They are veterans and they are also three friends who wanted to come together in this adventure.

Celia Mayo is a young singer of the new generation, the kind who never leaves anyone indifferent, quite the opposite. She expresses her talent across any vocal range and dynamic, and with a careful selection of songs for the audience’s enjoyment.

CÉSAR FILIÚ DOUGLAS QUARTET

César Filiú Douglas - sax
Miguel Ángel “Wiwi” - piano
Reinier Elizarde “El Negrón” - double bass
Rodrigo Ballesteros - drums

Journey to My Land

This concert is a journey toward my roots. A path through the sounds, memories, and traditions that have shaped the way I understand music.

I grew up surrounded by musicians, listening to stories that came from far away and from nearby, from Cuba, the Caribbean, jazz, and many other musical traditions that speak with one another. Over time I understood that these influences are not just references: they are part of my identity.

CRIS LÓPEZ QUARTET - SONGS I LOVE

Cris López – vocals
Humberto Rios – piano
Yandy Martínez – double bass
David Fernández – drums

Songs I Love: A tribute to the great divas of blues, jazz, and soul. With 30 years of experience on stage, Cris López has established herself as one of the most powerful, versatile, and expressive voices of her generation. Trained in an international gospel choir and rooted in Chicago blues, her career moves through blues, jazz, and soul with authenticity, elegance, and a deep connection to African American music.

CUBAN JAZZ QUINTET THE CUBINTAGE

Yuvisney Aguilar – timbales
Gito Maleta – piano
José Raúl Machado – double bass
Carlos Cano – flute
Ángel Herrera – congas

CUBintage is a musical project led by Cuban percussionist and composer Yuvisney Aguilar, focused on Cuban jazz with strong inspiration from Cuban music of the 1950s and 1960s. The group’s name combines the words Cuba and vintage, referring to the elegance and retro style of that golden era, when figures such as Bebo Valdés, Cachao López, and Peruchín created a distinctive and influential Latin sound.

CUBAN JAZZ QUINTET THE CUBINTAGE

Yuvisney Aguilar - composer, director, timbales
Gito Maleta - piano
José Raúl Machado - double bass
Carlos Cano - flute
Ángel Herrera - congas

Special guests:
Idania Valdés - vocals
Amadito Valdés - timbales

“The CUBintage” performs as an ambassador project of the golden age of Cuban music from the 1950s and 60s, paying a cultural and musical tribute that blends tradition, sophistication, rhythm, and glamour. Inspired by great masters such as Bebo Valdés, Israel “Cachao” López, and Pedro Justiz “Peruchín”, the quintet reconstructs with contemporary sensitivity a distinctive style that shaped the history of Latin music.

DANIEL JUÁREZ QUARTET - REFLEXIVIDAD

Daniel Juárez - tenor sax
Íñigo Ruíz de Gordejuela - piano
Darío Guibert - double bass
Naima Acuña - drums

Considered one of the most important European contemporary jazz albums of 2025, Reflexividad is “a deeply introspective project that explores themes such as beauty, desire, identity, and perspective, while at the same time inviting reflection on universal human experiences through music.”

DANY NOEL TRIO

Dany Noel - bass
Adrián Estévez - piano
Alejandro Chávez - drums

A project born in Madrid, an eclectic and international metropolis, “Dany Noel” emerges from an idea by bassist, singer, arranger, and composer Dany Noel. With his bass and a high-level trio, the artist shapes music full of nuance and atmosphere, in a constant dialogue between genres ranging from Latin to fusion, from jazz to bolero and flamenco.

In this unique and outstanding trio, the Cuban bassist, joined by Alejandro Chávez on drums and Adrián Estévez on piano, invites us on a fresh and captivating musical journey. A sonic experience that reveals the essence of Latin jazz and conveys the culture and sensitivity of his country of origin.

DAVID PASTOR QUINTET

David Pastor - trumpet
Bobby Martínez - sax
Germán Kucich - piano
Francisco López “Loque” - double bass
César de Frías - drums

International trumpeter David Pastor releases Dizzyness, his 14th album, recorded live at the Abraxas Theater in Augsburg (Germany). This work is a tribute to Dizzy Gillespie, a jazz legend and bebop revolutionary whose influence marked a before and after in the history of music.

“Paying tribute to Dizzy is a task that inspires both vertigo and respect in equal measure,” says David Pastor. With more than three decades of career, Pastor is an international reference in trumpet and a master at reviving the essence of jazz with passion, impeccable technique, and a deep respect for tradition. Dizzyness is much more than a tribute: it is a vibrant celebration of jazz heritage.

DEL TORO BLUES BAND

Danny del Toro – harmonica, vocals
Mike Martínez – guitar
Pedrinho Maravilloso – bass
Carlos Tello – drums

Del Toro Blues Band was founded by harmonica player Danny del Toro in 2014. Today, they are one of the most established bands on the European circuit, as in addition to their own shows, they accompany prominent and award-winning international artists on their European tours. Blues, Swing, and Jazz with 100% original songs make their concerts the perfect cocktail not to be missed.

FLAMENCO STANDARDS

Enrique Rodríguez “Enriquito” - trumpet
Pablo M. Caminero - double bass
Daniel G. Diego - piano
Michael Olivera - drums

Flamenco Standards is an initiative by trumpeter Enrique Rodríguez and double bassist Pablo Martín Caminero, two leading figures in flamenco jazz. The project is based on a repertoire of flamenco classics —such as Lo bueno y lo malo by Ray Heredia, or La leyenda del tiempo, popularized by Camarón and produced by Ricardo Pachón— treated as authentic jazz standards.

GERMÁN KUCIH - ON BUD

Germán Kucich – piano
Roberto Nieva – sax
Francisco “Loque” – bass
Juanma Barroso – drums

ON BUD is a project by Germán Kucich based on compositions by Bud Powell, a key figure of Bebop. This movement, which emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, had a historical and political dimension that went beyond its musical innovations.

In contrast to the European avant-gardes, which eventually distanced themselves from everyday life, Bebop was born as a popular art form in Harlem and played a central role in the struggle for civil rights of the Black population in the United States. It was a modern and sophisticated music, comparable to the European avant-gardes, but with a strong emotional charge and a direct connection with its audience.

GUILLEM ARNEDO QUARTET

Dani Pérez – guitar
Lucía Fumero – piano and vocals
Horacio Fumero – double bass
Guillem Arnedo – drums

The quartet led by drummer Guillem Arnedo is made up of the great guitarist Dani Pérez, the legendary double bassist Horacio Fumero, and the young pianist and singer Lucía Fumero. They perform original compositions, some with roots in traditional Argentine music, as well as jazz standards from the tradition with their own arrangements. They present their album “Buddy Django” (Underpool).

GUILLERMO MCGILL EXPERIENCE

Guillermo McGill - drums
Darío Guibert - double bass
Juan Sebastián Vázquez - piano
Daniel Juárez - sax

“To inaugurate the new chapter of Central and get off to a great start, what better than to share the stage with some very special colleagues who, years ago, were my students, but today are part of the elite of the Madrid scene. Part of the repertoire we will perform will remind us of those days of artistic and personal growth.” Guillermo McGill.

HAYLEN

Haylen - voice, guitar
Pablo Sanpa - guitar
David Salvador - bass
Antonio Pax - drums

Haylen is a French singer and guitarist influenced by blues, soul, and rock’n’roll. From a young age she developed her passion for music on the underground scene in Paris, performing in metro stations, jam sessions, and alternative venues, where she built her reputation as a rhythm guitarist and singer with a wide vocal range. Inspired by artists such as Amy Winehouse, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin, her musical universe blends the vintage aesthetics of the 1950s and 1960s with a contemporary energy.

INOIDEL GONZÁLEZ QUARTET

Frantzes Elzaurdia - piano
Javier Tapia - double bass
Michael Olivera - drums
Inoidel González - sax

The Cuban sax player, Inoidel González, presents us with an exciting musical journey that revives the essence of jazz classics and the musical tradition of the Caribbean and South America.

During this sonic experience, we will walk among song geniuses such as Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Marta Valdés, Jose Antonio Méndez, Miguel Matamoros, Chico Buarque, and Pixinguinha.

ISRAEL SANDOVAL FUSION BAND

Israel Sandoval – guitar, composition
Víctor Merlo – bass
Jorge Vera – piano
Miguel Lamas – drums

Israel Sandoval Fusion Band, formed by Israel Sandoval, Miguel Lamas, Jorge Vera, and Víctor Merlo, performs original music composed by Israel Sandoval, characterized by a sound full of groove, interaction, and energy.

The project moves within contemporary jazz and fusion, with its own musical language that combines elements of jazz, funk, and rock, resulting in powerful, modern music with a strong rhythmic identity and a clear focus on live performance.

IVÁN "MELÓN" LEWIS TRIO

Iván “Melón” Lewis – piano
Gastón Joya – double bass
Georvis Pico – drums

Iván “Melón” Lewis, a Cuban pianist, is also a composer and music producer. Throughout his career, he has performed at major international jazz festivals, sharing the stage with figures such as Bebo and Chucho Valdés, Mulgrew Miller, Bill Mobley, John Hicks, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and Wynton Marsalis.

On stage, Melón combines technical precision, lyricism, and a strong ability for collective improvisation, moving away from the “Latin jazz” cliché to explore a modern, emotive, and highly personal language. Accompanied by two top-level partners on double bass and drums, each concert by the trio becomes a journey that moves from the most energetic groove to the intimacy of ballads, capturing the audience from the first piece to the last.

JAVIER VERCHER QUARTET

Javier Vercher - sax
Luis Guerra - piano
Yandy Martínez - double bass
Al Brenes - drums

The group develops an innovative approach with a distinctive language that integrates global influences, a strong orientation toward improvisation, and deep sonic exploration. Their music creates an intense and immersive experience, marked by tension, nuance, and solid collective interaction, expanding the boundaries of contemporary jazz.

Javier Vercher, born in Madrid in 1978, began his musical training in Gandía and later specialized in jazz. After receiving a scholarship from A.I.E. and Berklee College of Music, he moved to Boston, where he completed his studies in Performance in 2000, specializing in improvisation and contemporary harmony. In 2001 he settled in New York, developing a career as a freelance musician and collaborating with prominent artists, in addition to receiving the “Best New Artist” award at the SGAE Tete Montoliu Jazz Biennial.

JAZZ ON FIVE

Mario Siles - guitar
Guillem Ferrer - sax
Carmen Vela - flute, clarinet
Dani García - drums
David Herrington - tuba

With more than 15 years on the music scene, Jazz on Five has established itself as the leading group in the “jazz güateque” genre. They promise fun…

JAZZ RESURRECTION FUNERAL

On April 16 at 5 PM, musicians, customers, former staff, and friends are invited to take part in a public farewell: a Jazz Funeral and Resurrection that is, in itself, an act of transformation. Anyone who wishes may join, and musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments. Inspired by the tradition of New Orleans marching bands, the procession will depart from Plaza del Ángel and make its way through the streets to the new location on Santa Catalina Street. Through music, this collective ritual will gather the energy, history, and memory of the old venue and symbolically carry them forward, freeing Café Central from its physical ties to that space and allowing it to exist as a living, unbound project. That energy will be placed in the Ateneo, where the spirit of Café Central will be protected and allowed to keep growing.

JOAQUÍN CHACÓN FT PARKER’S MOOD

Joaquín Chacón - guitar
Bobby Martínez - saxophone
Toño Miguel - double bass
Martin Holland - drums

Charlie Parker revolutionized the jazz language, being the key figure of the movement called Bebop, a new musical concept that broke with previous improvisation formulas, creating a style that became the seed of all later jazz.

Joaquín Chacón is a guitarist and composer from Madrid, active since the late 1980s and a key figure in jazz in Spain. He trained at the Madrid Conservatory and in the first jazz schools in Madrid and Barcelona, and he expanded his education through international seminars with prominent masters of the genre. He began his professional career alongside important musicians from the Madrid scene, collaborating in groups such as Neobop and Solar, which also had international projection. After consolidating his career, he created his own group and continued working and recording with prestigious international ensembles and artists.

JORGE PARDO TRIO

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.
Calle del Prado, 21, 28014, Madrid

Jorge Pardo - flute, sax
Jerónimo Maya - flamenco guitar
Bandolero - percussion

On this first night of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo, the second concert of the evening will be led by the Jorge Pardo Trio, with a proposal that fuses flamenco and jazz.

Jorge Pardo, born in Madrid, is a benchmark as a composer and performer on flute and saxophone, and a pioneer in integrating flamenco into these instruments alongside figures such as Camarón de la Isla and Paco de Lucía. Since 1979, he has participated in landmark albums such as La leyenda del tiempo, being key in the development of “flamenco jazz.” With more than twenty albums as a leader, he was recognized as Best European Jazz Musician by the French Jazz Academy for Huellas (2013). Additionally, he received the National Music Award in 2015 and was awarded the American Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album in 2020 for his participation in Antidote, by Chick Corea & The Spanish Heart Band.

JOSHUA EDELMAN QUINTET - JAZZ AFROLATINO

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.
Calle del Prado, 21, 28014, Madrid

Joshua Edelman - piano
Saúl Santolaria - vocals
Adrián Zarrabeitia - trombone
Loisel Machín - double bass
Richard Pacheco - congas

We are honored to kick off our Café Central programming at La Cátedra del Ateneo with the musician who has performed most frequently at our old venue. Over nearly 800 nights, he has offered a unique presence that blends elegance, sensitivity, and mastery. His fusion of the Manhattan style with Latin jazz has opened new horizons for audiences, and his intelligent, profound approach to jazz has made each concert a memorable experience.

LEO MINAX QUARTET

Leo Minax - guitar, vocals
Germán Kucich - piano
Toño Miguel - double bass
David Gadea - percussion

Brazilian composer Leo Minax returns to the legendary Café Central on April 27, performing in quartet format alongside Germán Kucich on piano, Antonio “Toño” Miguel on double bass, and David Gadea on percussion. In the repertoire, Minax presents his well-known songs along with many previously unreleased compositions. Brazilian rhythms that constantly seek the freedom of jazz, energy, and the boldness of more experimental music within the song format. A seductive and unique project, highlighting the originality of the performance, the beauty of the compositions, and the chemistry and talent of the musicians accompanying the artist.

LEO SIDRAN – RESIDENCE OF RESISTANCE

Leo Sidran - guitar, drums, voice
Max Darmon - bass
Paul Sany - piano
Luisa Corral - voice
Laura Revuelta - voice

The multi-instrumentalist, composer, and singer Leo Sidran first played at Café Central in 1998, at just 21 years old, accompanying his father Ben Sidran on drums. From that first year, the Central stage became a kind of second home for both father and son. They returned every year for their annual residency, initially performing for seven consecutive nights and, over time, extending their stay to fourteen nights a year. This tradition was immortalized in Ben Sidran’s album Cien Noches at the Café Central (2007), recorded live during the group’s 100th concert at the venue.

LLUÍS CAPDEVILA TRIO

Lluís Capdevila - piano
Alejandra López - double bass
Esteve Pi - drums

Standards, originals and Mompou

Pianist Lluís Capdevila returns to Café Central to present this trio for the first time, alongside Alejandra López (double bass) and Esteve Pi (drums). A meeting point where jazz standards, original compositions and a personal approach to the music of Frederic Mompou come together.

Lluís Capdevila is a pianist and composer whose career focuses on developing a distinctive voice within jazz. He has released seven albums as a leader and has presented his projects in concert halls and clubs across Spain, including his participation in AIE en Ruta 2025, with upcoming performances in New York.

LLUíS COLOMA & HIS MUSICAL TROUPE

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.
Calle del Prado, 21, 28014, Madrid

Lluís Coloma - piano
Kid Carlos - guitar
Manolo Germán - double bass
Arnau Julià - drums

25 years of music
Blues & Boogie Woogie & Jazz and more

Twenty-five years ago, Lluís Coloma began a musical journey that has taken him to the most important stages around the world within the Blues and Boogie Woogie piano scene. In addition, he has done so by creating his own personal and unique musical language.

LLUÍS COLOMA TRIO & KID CARLOS

Lluís Coloma – piano
Kid Carlos – guitar
Manolo Germán – double bass
Arnau Julià – drums

Blues & Boogie Woogie & Jazz.

Lluís Coloma (Barcelona) on piano and Kid Carlos (Seville) on guitar join forces in a project where each artist’s influences blend naturally to offer a surprising repertoire, full of rhythm, magical atmospheres, and personality. Lluís Coloma, one of the most internationally recognized pianists in blues and boogie woogie, a regular at festivals throughout Europe and the United States, performs with his usual trio, featuring Manolo Germán on double bass and Arnau Julià on drums, providing a solid and elegant rhythmic foundation. Kid Carlos, a leading figure in both the national and international blues scene, brings together tradition and modernity with multiple musical influences. Together they create a powerful and sensitive proposal, where every performance is delivered with total commitment and invites the audience on a musical journey infused with blues, groove, and emotion.

MACHADO & BOBBY: CUBA EN CLAVE

Manuel Machado – trumpet
Bobby Martínez – sax
Sergio Fernández – piano
Yandi – bass
Ramón González “El León” – drums, percussion

Trumpeter Manuel Machado and saxophonist Bobby Martínez come together on stage with Sergio Fernández on piano, Yandi on bass, and Ramón González “El León” on drums and percussion to offer a musical journey full of energy, improvisation, and flavor. With careers linked to the best of jazz and Latin music, they present a repertoire that combines original compositions with great Cuban standards. This event also marks their farewell at the Central, a special concert to celebrate music and close a chapter with the intensity that defines them.

MARIANO DÍAZ QUARTET

Mariano Díaz – piano
José Guereñu – bass
Juan Oliveira – guitar
Arturo García – drums

The Grammy Award–nominated pianist presents his new project at the iconic Café Central.

MAUREEN CHOI QUARTET

Maureen Choi - violin
Daniel García Diego - piano
Mario Carrillo - double bass
Michael Olivera - drums

Founded in 2012, the Maureen Choi Quartet has evolved over more than a decade of shared musical experience, marked by extensive touring, ongoing collaborations, and a strong collective identity. Centered around the original music of violinist and composer Maureen Choi, the quartet functions as a chamber jazz group, where composition and improvisation maintain a constant dialogue. The quartet has developed a distinctive sound that combines continuity and reinvention.

MIGUEL MALLA FT RACALMUTO

First night at the Café Central Ateneo.

Miguel Malla – sax
Pascual Piqueras – trumpet
Juan Luis Ramírez – clarinet
Javier López – piano
Pablo Navarro – double bass
Gabriel Marijuán – drums

Racalmuto has recorded several film soundtracks composed by Miguel Malla, including Días de fútbol and Días de cine by David Serrano, La suerte dormida by Ángeles González-Sinde, El lunar by Miguel Ángel Calvo Buttini, and Gente de mala calidad by Juan Cavestany. They are also regular collaborators with the theater company Animalario.

MIGUEL MALLA FT RACALMUTO

Last night at our beloved venue.

Miguel Malla – sax
Pascual Piqueras – trumpet
Juan Luis Ramírez – clarinet
Javier López – piano
Pablo Navarro – double bass
Gabriel Marijuán – drums

Racalmuto has recorded several film soundtracks composed by Miguel Malla, including Días de fútbol and Días de cine by David Serrano, La suerte dormida by Ángeles González-Sinde, El lunar by Miguel Ángel Calvo Buttini, and Gente de mala calidad by Juan Cavestany. They are also regular collaborators with the theater company Animalario.

O SISTER!

Paula Padilla - vocals
Helena Amado - vocals
Marcos Padilla - vocals
Matías Comino - guitar
Camilo Bosso - bass
Pablo Cabra - drums

O Sister! is a Sevilla-based group with 15 years of experience and 6 albums released, whose style originates in the early jazz of New Orleans and evolves by incorporating influences from Latin American music, pop, blues, and lounge. With a close-harmony vocal trio as their signature, the band revives the legacy of forgotten female creators and performers and renews genres like swing and dixieland with a contemporary sensibility.

ODOJAZZ

Cristina de la Vega - voice
Ana San Juan - clarinet
Irene González - cello
Arturo Ballesteros - piano, composition, and arrangements

Odojazz bases its repertoire on original compositions by Arturo Ballesteros, Brazilian music, boleros, and jazz standards. The arrangement writing, detailed and precise, leaves little room for improvisation. The instrumentation, with voice, clarinet, cello, and piano interwoven contrapuntally, gives the group a refined and elegant sound, close to chamber music. The quartet blends classical and jazz elements, creating a style of great beauty and freshness.

OLD FRIENDS

Iván Sangüesa – piano
Fernando Sangüesa – sax
Roberto Pacheco – trombone
Javier Moreno – double bass
Gonzalo Maestre – drums

Their music combines the essence of blues, swing, funk, and Latin rhythms, appealing both to jazz lovers and to fans of other styles. The band’s main characteristic is the strong interaction with the audience during their concerts, making them part of the music at all times.

PATXI PASCUAL QUINTET

Patxi Pascual - sax
María Zerpa - vocals
Gabriel Szternsztejn - guitar
José Ramón Abella - bass
Raúl Rodríguez - drums

Jazz saxophonist. From Madrid. A specialist in wind instruments, both flute/sax and ethnic wind instruments. A musician with extensive experience in concerts and festivals, Patxi Pascual has collaborated with artists such as Paul Wertico (Pat Metheny Group), John Patitucci, Jerry González (one of the pioneers of Latin jazz), Julio Awad, Pepe Rivero, Carmen Linares, Rasha, Mariem Hassan, Eliseo Parra, Javier Ruibal, José Antonio Ramos, and has released several albums both as a solo artist and in collaboration.

PEDRO OJESTO FT. FLAMENCO DE CÁMARA

Pedro Ojesto – piano
Mario Montoya – guitar
Edu Barbero – vocals
Nicolás Cañete – bass

Flamenco de Cámara offers a sonic journey where improvisation intertwines with tradition, where the purity of flamenco opens itself to dialogue with other musical languages. A performance that combines the power of the vocals, the depth of the guitar, and the harmonic richness of the piano, in an intimate, elegant format filled with emotion.

PEDRO PABLO & THREE CUBAN JAZZ

Adrián Estévez – piano
Yelsy Heredia – double bass
Pedro Pablo Rodríguez – percussion

The ensemble draws inspiration from—and preserves—the sound and melodies of the 1940s and 1950s. At the Club, they will take the audience on a journey through different genres of Cuban music, including changüí, danzón, Latin jazz, bolero, and rumba.

PEPE RIVERO TRIO

Pepe Rivero – piano
Reinier Elizarde “El Negrón” – double bass
Yuvisney Aguilar – drums

The renowned Cuban pianist Pepe Rivero, recently nominated for the Latin Grammy alongside Paquito D’Rivera for the album “La Fleur de Cayenne,” will revisit, together with Gastón Joya on double bass and Georvis Pico on drums—also Latin Grammy nominees—the most outstanding pieces from some of his recordings. These range from “Tonight Latin” to Los Boleros de Chopin, Monk en su Rumba, Quizás Quizás, Piano y Trova, Siempre en mi Corazón, dedicated to Ernesto Lecuona, and his latest work “Estampas y Raíces,” dedicated to great Spanish composers.

PERICO SAMBEAT FLAMENCO QUINTET

Perico Sambeat – saxophones
Albert Sanz – piano
Miquel Alverez – bass
Sergio Martínez – cajón and percussion
Tico Porcar – drums

On this occasion, Perico presents a quintet featuring a selection of Spain’s elite musicians. They perform a repertoire of original compositions in which they explore new paths, approaching different aspects of flamenco through bulerías, tanguillos, alegrías, and seguiriyas. The result is a rigorous and innovative approach to blending the two musical traditions. The group has just recorded an album titled Roneando.

RALE MICIC TRIO FT. UGONNA OKEGWO & EJ STRICKLAND SG. SEBASTIÁN CHAMES

Rale Mićić – guitar
Ugonna Okegwo – double bass
E.J. Strickland – drums
Sebastián Chames – piano

Rale Mićić is a guitarist and composer born in Belgrade, Serbia, and one of the distinctive voices of the New York jazz scene, where he has lived since 2000. He arrived in the United States after receiving a scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music, where he trained with figures such as George Garzone and John Thomas, and was a direct student of the influential guitarist Mick Goodrick, whose harmonic and aesthetic concepts deeply shaped his musical language.

RANDY INGRAM TRIO

Randy Ingram – piano
Drew Gress – double bass
Karl Ousbäck – drums

Randy Ingram, a New York–based pianist and composer, has been praised as “a pianist of taste and resources” (The New Yorker) and “a formidable composer” (The San Francisco Chronicle). “A pianist drawn to contemporary harmony with a refined rhythmic sense… insightful, self-assured” (The New York Times).

Ingram’s artistry as a pianist and composer is fully displayed on his latest trio album, Aries Dance, a celebration of movement and musical expression featuring legendary drummer Billy Hart alongside Ingram’s trusted bassist, the renowned Drew Gress. Aries Dance was released by Sounderscore Records in October 2024 to widespread acclaim, earning a 4.5-star review in DownBeat. Stereophile magazine notes that Randy Ingram’s Aries Dance could be placed in a time capsule as a paradigm of the piano trio format.

SHEILA BLANCO & FEDERICO LECHNER TANGO JAZZ TRIO

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.
Calle del Prado, 21, 28014, Madrid

Sheila Blanco - vocals
Federico Lechner - piano
Tomás Merlo - double bass
José San Martín - drums

The group was born as a musical laboratory to blend the worlds of Jazz and Tango, using some traditional tangos, some iconic jazz standards, and some original compositions created from the very spirit of this fusion.

SUITE SEFARAD

Federico Lechner – musical direction and piano
Cristina Pascual – first violin
Clara Vázquez – second violin
Abel Nafee Rosch – viola
Susana Rico – cello
Darío Guibert – double bass
Valentín Iturat – drums

Suite Sefarad is a musical project led by pianist and composer Federico Lechner, which proposes a contemporary dialogue with the Sephardic tradition. Through original compositions and arrangements, the group reinterprets ancient Judeo-Spanish melodies from a modern perspective, integrating jazz, flamenco, and Mediterranean music. The result is an elegant and emotional proposal, where cultural memory is transformed into a living musical language, open to improvisation and sonic cross-pollination.

SWINGING MAD

Rachel Reyes – vocals
David Sanz – sax
Joe McEvilly – piano
Tom Jackson – double bass
Andrés Freites – drums

Swinging Mad is a quintet made up of musicians from different nationalities (Argentina, Australia, Spain, and Venezuela) who share a deep admiration for the great bands that made millions of people dance during the golden age of jazz.

Through their songs, they tell a story as a journey through time, which still today continues to serve as the soundtrack to our life experiences.

ULF WAKENIUS & IGNASI TERRAZA

First concerts of Café Central at La Cátedra del Ateneo.
Calle del Prado, 21, 28014, Madrid

Ulf Wakenius - guitar
Ignasi Terraza - piano
Special guest:
Reico Fujisaki - vocals

The duo formed by Ignasi Terraza and Ulf Wakenius performs the music of the legendary Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson, following the celebration of his centenary, with a project that combines original compositions with pieces from the historic Peterson-Joe Pass duo.

VERÓNICA FERREIRO & JAVIER SÁNCHEZ

Verónica Ferreiro - vocals
Javier Sánchez - guitar

Verónica has a solid career as a composer and performer, supported by numerous acclaimed works. Her debut album, LAIO, reached number 1 in jazz album sales on iTunes Spain and appeared on charts in Mexico and Argentina. The album also earned a prominent place in prestigious international catalogs such as Dusty Groove America (Chicago) and Giant Step (New York). Her musical projects have led her to participate in major festivals, including the Jazzharrean Festival in Vitoria, the Ellas Crean Festival, and the Masters at Work Festival in Bilbao.

YRVIS MÉNDEZ QUINTET

Gherardo Catanzaro – piano
Daniel Rouleau – sax
Christopher Barrios – drums
Carlos J. R. “El Oso” – Afro-Venezuelan percussion
Yrvis Méndez – vocals, bass guitar, double bass

It is a sonic evolution, a free expression of Afro-Venezuelan and Creole music, and a poetic approach in its lyrics in favor of the environment. We can say it is music with substance and social content, a musical essence that is recycled and recreated over distance, fused with rhythms and genres such as jazz, soul, and Afrobeat.

YULEY DÍAZ QUARTET

Yuley Díaz - piano
Yelsy Heredia - double bass
Georvis Pico - drums
Inor Sotolongo - percussion

Yuley Díaz, a Cuban pianist and composer based in Madrid. Her project combines arrangements and original compositions with an elegant, jazz-oriented, and theatrical approach. With roots in Cuban music and a solid classical background enriched by Latin jazz, her music—imbued with a feminine sensibility—is expressed with delicacy and emotion. Accompanied by a trio of exceptional musicians, Yelsy Heredia, Georvis Pico, and Inor Sotolongo, she is able to connect with diverse audiences and transform each space into an emotional experience.