Upcoming Concerts

María Zerpa - vocals
Ana San Juan - clarinet
Irene González - cello
Arturo Ballesteros - piano, composition

Odojazz’s repertoire is based on Arturo Ballesteros’ original compositions, Brazilian music, boleros, and jazz standards. The arrangements are meticulously crafted and precisely written, leaving little room for improvisation. The instrumentation, with vocals, clarinet, cello, and piano woven together in a contrapuntal texture, gives the group a refined and elegant sound reminiscent of chamber music. Blending classical and jazz elements, the quartet creates a style of remarkable beauty and freshness.

Miguel Ángel Cortés - guitar, vocals
David Sanz - piano, saxophone
Christian Pérez - double bass
Andrés Freites - drums

Can you imagine a concert where you can sing along to every song?

Slim Gaillard and Slam Stewart were jazz icons of the 1930s and 1940s, renowned for their entertaining live performances, where audiences laughed and delighted in shows filled with humor and surprises.

Slim Slam Tribute invites audiences not only to experience the jazz of that era, but also to sing along with the band on the infectious, offbeat choruses that made this legendary duo famous for decades.

Víctor Correa - trombone, vocals, percussion
Lola Santiago - vocals, percussion
Juan Ortiz - piano
Mario Carrillo - double bass
Fran Gayo - drums

This project explores the universality of what makes us human, showing how folklore is born from the land—a land that has always been there and will continue to endure, constantly giving rise to something new through my own experience in Castilla, Spain and my study of its traditions.

The chosen medium is movement through the body of Pau Arnal; the setting is music, and within it, rhythm, cycles, patterns, and the “pregón” (traditional street call) bring the ancestral to life.

All of this is viewed through the lens of the present, looking toward the future, keeping the flame alive while adding fresh fuel to the fire.

Abe Rábade - piano
Pablo M. Caminero - double bass
Bruno Pedroso - drums

Abe Rábade Trio is one of the most established and acclaimed ensembles on the Spanish jazz scene. Founded by Galician pianist and composer Abe Rábade in Boston in 1996, the group later relocated to Galicia, where it developed a distinctive musical language that blends the jazz tradition with influences from folk music and contemporary composition.

Since 2008, the trio’s permanent lineup has featured Abe Rábade (piano), Pablo Martín Caminero (double bass), and Bruno Pedroso (drums). Together they have released some of their most celebrated albums, including Zigurat, A Modo, Versons, Tránsitos, Once, Doravante, and SORTE, while performing at leading venues and international festivals across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, including the Monterey Jazz Festival in the United States.

The trio’s music is distinguished by its balance between composition and improvisation, the exceptional interplay among its members, and a constant exploration of new sonic possibilities, always grounded in a deep respect for melody, rhythm, and collective creativity. Throughout its career, the group has received numerous accolades, including the 2006 Spanish Jazz Album of the Year award for Playing on Light.

Susana Ruiz - vocals
Jacob Sureda - piano
José Vera - double bass
Mario Carrión - drums

This quartet brings its project to Café Central for a special concert. Made up of well-known musicians from the Madrid jazz scene with extensive national and international careers, they combine the jazz and soul of the genre’s finest years. They are seasoned performers and close friends who have come together for this adventure, presenting a carefully selected repertoire of elegant songs for the audience to enjoy.

The result is a sophisticated performance, immersing listeners in a lively atmosphere that invites them to have fun. The music of Randy Crawford, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald… will be featured.

Leo Minax - guitar, vocals
Germán Kucich - piano
Toño Miguel - double bass
Marc Pinyol - drums

Leo Minax is undoubtedly one of the leading names among Brazilian musicians of his generation. He has lived in Madrid for many years and has released eleven albums of original music, exploring different line-ups and artistic approaches. His career has been closely associated with artists such as Toninho Horta, Vitor Ramil, Javier Ruibal, Miguel Poveda, Ronaldo Bastos, Suso Saiz and Moska, among many others, as collaborators or co-writers. His music has also been recorded by Jorge Drexler, the Brazilian singer Joyce Moreno and the Spanish artist Ana Belén.

“Leo does it organically, and the rhythmic complexity, the refined music that flows from his guitar and his flawless performance, is almost imperceptible. The absurdly poetic lyrics flow like water down the throat of the ears. His current work undoubtedly reaches the maturity of that artistic quest. Together with the luminous rapport of his acoustic trio, he presents a stimulating sound, full of creative adventure.”

Chico Amaral

Lara Vizuete - vocals
Juan Ortiz - piano
Ernesto Larcher - double bass
Daniel García Bruno - drums

Singer, composer and performer Lara Vizuete presents Cuando no quede nada, a project that explores new sonic landscapes through a musical language that blends contemporary jazz, Latin American music and a distinctive experimental sensibility.

The compositions, shaped by a profound social perspective, address contemporary issues through poetry, creating an intimate and committed repertoire. Through textures built with ostinatos and loops, the project places the expressiveness and versatility of Vizuete’s voice at the forefront.

At Café Central, Lara Vizuete will be joined by Juan Sebastián Vázquez on piano, Ernesto Larcher on double bass and Daniel García Bruno on drums. Together they form a quartet that balances improvisation, sonic experimentation and song, bringing to life a performance of remarkable sensitivity and expressive depth.

Mario Siles - vocals, banjo
Anxo Martínez - trumpet
Charlie Díaz - clarinet
Víctor Correa - tuba
Andrés Freites - washboard

Barba Dixie Band takes us on a journey to the golden age of jazz in New Orleans at the beginning of the 20th century.

Using the original instrumentation of the style, they perform a wide variety of classic tunes from the period. From energetic, syncopated street parade music that brought the carnivals of Bourbon Street to life, to deeply rooted Louisiana blues that echoed along the steamboats of the Mississippi.

Beatriz Moreno - vocals
Lucio Lupano - guitar
Gastón Joya - double bass
Juanma Barroso - drums

Strongly influenced by vocalists such as Shirley Horn, Ernestine Anderson, Carmen McRae, Betty Carter and Abbey Lincoln, Beatriz Moreno offers a personal approach to a carefully selected repertoire. Through the possibilities of the quartet format, arrangement and melodic improvisation, she creates an organic musical narrative that fully explores the story each song has to tell.

Gregory Groover Jr - saxophone
Xavi Torres - piano
Max Ridley - bass
Andreu Pitarch - drums

Born in New York and raised in Boston, Gregory Groover Jr is one of the most outstanding tenor saxophonists of the new generation of jazz musicians. A composer, bandleader and educator, his music combines a deep respect for tradition with a distinctive, energetic and contemporary voice.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music, where he studied with masters such as Terri Lyne Carrington, John Patitucci, Miguel Zenón, Dave Liebman and Danilo Pérez, Groover has established himself as a prominent figure on the international jazz scene. He has performed at festivals across the United States, Latin America, Europe and Africa, and has collaborated with some of today’s leading jazz musicians.

Following the success of Lovabye (2024), he presents Old Knew, his new album for the prestigious Criss Cross Jazz label. Featuring original compositions, the recording confirms his artistic maturity and his ability to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz.
Gregory Groover Jr - saxophone
Xavi Torres - piano
Max Ridley - bass
Andreu Pitarch - drums

Born in New York and raised in Boston, Gregory Groover Jr is one of the most outstanding tenor saxophonists of the new generation of jazz musicians. A composer, bandleader and educator, his music combines a deep respect for tradition with a distinctive, energetic and contemporary voice.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music, where he studied with masters such as Terri Lyne Carrington, John Patitucci, Miguel Zenón, Dave Liebman and Danilo Pérez, Groover has established himself as a prominent figure on the international jazz scene. He has performed at festivals across the United States, Latin America, Europe and Africa, and has collaborated with some of today’s leading jazz musicians.

Following the success of Lovabye (2024), he presents Old Knew, his new album for the prestigious Criss Cross Jazz label. Featuring original compositions, the recording confirms his artistic maturity and his ability to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz.

Israel Sandoval - guitar
Luciano González - bass
Miguel Lamas - drums

Israel Sandoval is a jazz guitarist, composer, and educator based in Madrid. He began his musical training as a classical guitarist at the conservatory before specializing in jazz guitar under guitarist Gabriel Rosales. He later continued his studies at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague’s Jazz Department.

Since then, he has built a solid career as both a live and studio musician. He has collaborated with renowned national and international artists such as Dave Liebman, Jerry González, Diego el Cigala, Concha Buika, Javier Colina, Jorge Pardo, Niño Josele, Chico Freeman, and Dave McMurray, among others.

In addition to leading his own projects, including the Israel Sandoval Fusion Trio, he is one of Spain’s most sought-after jazz guitarists for collaborations. His music blends contemporary jazz and fusion, incorporating elements of funk and rock while maintaining a distinctive musical voice centered on improvisation and live interaction. Among his recordings, Marzo, recorded live at Madrid’s Café Central, stands out.

Mingo Balaguer - vocals, harmonica
Pablo Sanpa - guitar
Diego De La Torre - bass
Pascual Monge - drums

Blues Blast brings together Mingo Balaguer and Pablo Sanpa, two leading figures in the Spanish blues scene with a long history of sharing the stage.

As members of Mingo Sanpa & Bárez Bros., they earned third place at the 2022 European Blues Challenge and represented Spain at prestigious international blues festivals in Poland.

Their live performances blend West Coast Blues, Chicago Blues, and Jump Blues with a powerful, authentic, and energetic approach. Blues Blast lives up to its name: a true explosion of blues on stage.

Pascual Piqueras - trumpet, flugelhorn
Chema Saiz - guitar
Richie Ferrer - double bass
Carlos González “Sir Carles” - drums

The Jazz Warriors is made up of musicians with extensive careers in the world of jazz. Over the years, they have shared the stage in a wide variety of projects, developing a strong musical rapport.

They are currently presenting Hispanic Songs, a project that revisits melodies and songs of Hispanic origin through a jazz lens, offering fresh interpretations of some of the most iconic pieces in this rich repertoire. A bolero transformed into a ballad, an Antonio Machín classic reimagined as a tango, the deeply rooted folk melody La Muixaranga, and the bolero La gloria eres tú reinterpreted in the style of gypsy jazz are all part of a program that surprises audiences while preserving the essence of the original works.

The result is a journey through beloved melodies that are part of our shared cultural heritage, rediscovered through the language of jazz and its remarkable capacity for fusion, improvisation, and reinvention.

Hermon Mehari - trumpet
Sebastián Chames - piano
Darryl Hall - double bass
Daniel G. Bruno - drums

Argentine pianist Sebastián Chames presents American trumpeter Hermon Mehari at Café Central for the first time in a project that builds bridges between the tradition and the cutting edge of contemporary jazz. Based in Europe and with extensive international careers, both artists are distinguished by their strong artistic identities, musical sensitivity, and distinctive voices.

Hermon Mehari, acclaimed for the warmth of his sound and lyrical approach, was named International Artist of the Year by Jazz Magazine in 2022 and Trumpeter of the Year in 2024. He has also performed alongside renowned musicians such as Randy Brecker, Bobby Watson, Aaron Parks, and Seamus Blake. Sebastián Chames has established himself as one of the most compelling voices of the new generation of Argentine jazz, maintaining an active presence on the European scene as a pianist, composer, and arranger.

The quartet is completed by double bassist Darryl Hall, winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Bass Competition and collaborator with artists including Cedar Walton, Ravi Coltrane, and Archie Shepp, and drummer Daniel García Bruno, a musician recognized for his solid musicianship, creativity, and versatility. Together, these four outstanding performers present an open, elegant, and deeply contemporary musical experience.

Chema Saiz - guitar
Pedro Ojesto - piano
Javier Moreno - double bass
Tony Moreno - drums

Tony Moreno is a New York-based jazz drummer, composer, and educator. He began studying drums at an early age and trained under the legendary Elvin Jones, while also pursuing his studies at the Manhattan School of Music.

He has built an international career as both a performer and educator, appearing on recordings and in concerts with musicians such as Dave Liebman, Ravi Coltrane, Barry Harris, Paul Bley, Don Cherry, Roswell Rudd, Mal Waldron, Eddie Gómez, Arthur Blythe, Sonny Fortune, Chris Potter, and Richie Beirach, as documented in his official biography and academic profile.

Alongside his performing career, he is an active educator and serves on the faculty of the Jazz Studies program at New York University (NYU). He has also taught at Columbia University and The City College of New York. As a bandleader, he has released several albums, including Short Stories and Ballads Vol. 1.

Inoidel González - saxophone
Miguel Ángel “Wiwi” - piano
Rodrigo Ballesteros - drums

CUBA PRESENTE
An intimate trio format in which the Cuban musical tradition becomes the starting point for an open, contemporary, and deeply personal artistic vision.

The repertoire features original compositions alongside fresh interpretations of works by great Cuban composers, blending the island’s rich rhythmic and melodic heritage with the language of contemporary jazz. Improvisation, attentive listening, and the dialogue between the three musicians create an elegant, dynamic, and richly nuanced sound, where son, bolero, danzón, and Afro-Cuban traditions coexist with a creative and forward-looking approach.

A project that celebrates its roots without nostalgia, embracing tradition as a living language in constant evolution.

Amy Gaviria - vocals
Harold Rey - piano
Iván Ruíz - bass
Johnny Gómez - drums, percussion

They present a musical journey through the legacy of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan, viewed through the rich rhythmic traditions of Cuban music. The repertoire features interpretations of some of the most iconic songs associated with these legendary jazz vocalists, alongside original compositions by singer Amy Gaviria.

The program explores styles including Afro-Cuban music, danzón, cha-cha-chá, guaguancó, son, bolero, and fusion, creating a dialogue between the language of jazz and the Cuban musical tradition.

Harold Rey, a Cuban pianist, arranger, and music producer based in Spain since the 1990s, has built an extensive career as a performer and musical director. He has collaborated with artists such as Soledad Giménez, Manu Tenorio, Niña Pastori, Ángela Carrasco, Antonio Carmona, Los del Río, Roko, and Carmen París, while also performing at international jazz and Latin music festivals.

JD Allen - saxophone
Javier Callen - double bass
Juanma Barroso - drums

Originally from Detroit, JD Allen has established himself as a leading figure on the international jazz scene. His training and collaborations with artists such as Betty Carter, Ron Carter, and Jack DeJohnette have helped shape a distinctive voice on the tenor saxophone, characterized by a deep, resonant sound and an approach that connects contemporary post-bop with the roots of the blues and the African American spiritual tradition.

For his performances in Spain, the saxophonist regularly relies on the outstanding rhythmic foundation provided by Juanma Barroso and Javier Callen. Their ongoing collaboration has fostered a remarkable musical rapport, allowing the repertoire to unfold naturally through open structures and constant interaction. The result is an intense, refined live performance that offers an excellent showcase of the contemporary jazz trio at its finest.

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

With each of its five members contributing their own musical ideas, La Canal has developed not only a distinctive approach to jazz but a unique musical style of its own. Their music combines infectious energy, strong musical chemistry, and a joyful spirit that reflects the many facets of jazz.

Drawing on decades of experience, La Canal conveys the essence of jazz with authenticity and confidence, reinforcing its reputation as one of Spain’s longest-established jazz bands. Their performances are marked by remarkable musical maturity, elegance, and a level of craftsmanship that is truly admirable.

Gastón Joya - double bass
Idania Valdés - vocals
Miguel Ángel “Wiwi” - piano
Rodrigo Ballesteros - drums

Gastón Joya Trio feat. Idania Valdés presents a journey through the great standards of Cuban music from the perspective of Afro-Cuban jazz and Latin jazz. The repertoire features boleros, sones, danzones, filin, and other classics of the Cuban songbook, reimagined through original arrangements alongside compositions by Gastón Joya.

Gastón Joya is one of the most prominent Cuban double bassists of his generation and a leading figure in Afro-Cuban jazz and Latin jazz. He has collaborated with artists such as Chucho Valdés, Paquito D’Rivera, Joe Lovano, Sting, and Buena Vista Social Club, performing at major international festivals and concert halls. As a bandleader, composer, and arranger, he has developed a musical vision that brings together the Cuban tradition and the language of contemporary jazz, inspired by the legacy of Israel “Cachao” López while expressing a distinctive artistic voice.

Iñaki Arakistain - saxophones, composition
Israel Sandoval - electric guitar
Bruno Lopes - bass
Valentín Iturat - drums

A versatile instrumentalist, highly sought-after session musician, and jazz artist to the core, Basque saxophonist Iñaki Arakistain has earned a solid reputation on the Spanish jazz scene through his highly distinctive musical projects, always infused with infectious grooves and a strong funk essence.

With five albums released as a bandleader and a long-standing career, Iñaki Arakistain introduced a groundbreaking musical concept in Spain with his album Plan B, an innovative project by a saxophonist at the time. His recordings bring together styles such as his signature modern jazz, Latin funk, African American musical traditions including jazz-funk, and deeply rooted influences such as flamenco jazz.

Elegantly crafted harmonies, fresh and richly textured sounds, and solid rhythms and grooves come together in the unique musical universe of Arakistain.

Glenda Vega - vocals
Adrián Estévez - piano (28th)
Miguel Ángel “Wiwi” - piano (29th)
Reinier Elizarde “El Negrón” - double bass
Inor Sotolongo - percussion

Glenda Vega is a Cuban-British vocalist whose voice captivates with its warm tone and expressive sensitivity.

With The Alma Collective, an acoustic project rooted in Cuban song and boleros with influences from Latin jazz and world music, she invites audiences on a musical journey filled with freshness, sensuality, and intimacy.

Jeff Espinoza - guitar, vocals
Ramón Arroyo - guitar
Ezequiel Navas - drums

Jeff Espinoza and Ramón Arroyo present The Roadrunners, an acoustic project that explores the sounds of Americana, blues, folk, country, and roots rock.

With long-established careers on the live music scene, the two musicians perform a repertoire that blends classics by artists such as Bob Dylan, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash with their own original compositions. The result is an intimate concert where experience, musical chemistry, and a shared passion for roots music take center stage.

Akinsola – drums, vocals
Lachy Torriente – trumpet
Gherardo Catanzaro – piano
Andre Edipo – guitar
Manuel Sanz – bass

Ogun Afrobeat is Spain’s pioneering afrobeat band. Formed in Madrid and led by Nigerian musician Akinsola, the group brings together artists from different countries in a multicultural project that blends the roots of afrobeat with influences from funk, jazz, soul, Gnawa music, electronic music, and even flamenco.

Beyond its musical vision, Ogún Afrobeat is committed to cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration, turning every performance into a celebration of diversity. Their powerful live shows, driven by infectious energy and rhythm, have also featured acclaimed international artists connected to the worlds of afrobeat and global music.

Arahi Martínez - vocals
Manuel Machado - trumpet
Luis Guerra - piano
Santi Greco - bass
Ramón González - percussion
Moisés Porro - drums

Manuel Machado is one of the leading Latin jazz trumpeters in Spain. His distinguished career includes performing with the legendary band Irakere, led by Chucho Valdés, as well as collaborations with renowned artists such as Celia Cruz, Bebo Valdés, Paquito D’Rivera, Steve Turre, Joaquín Sabina, Joan Manuel Serrat, José Mercé, and Rocío Jurado.

Leading his quintet, he presents a concert where jazz, Cuban music, and improvisation come together in a vibrant and deeply expressive performance.

Special guest vocalist Arahí Martínez brings elegance and emotion to the evening with her outstanding voice.

An unmissable opportunity to experience the excellence of Latin jazz and the magic of live music.

Javier Elorrieta - vocals
Lorenzo Moya - piano
Richie Ferrer - double bass
J. R. Callejas - saxophones
Antonio Calero - drums

“I had dreamed of carrying out this project for a long time: the fusion of French music and jazz. I believe that ever since I studied at the French Lycée in Madrid, I have been drawn to the music of our neighboring country. Understanding the wonderful, poetic, and profound lyrics of Brel, Brassens, Aznavour, Bécaud, and many others made me appreciate this kind of music so deeply that these songs have remained faithful companions throughout my life. Everything began to take shape years later, when I formed a group specializing in French pop songs, performing as guitarist and singer with songs by Dutronc, Nino Ferrer, Johnny Hallyday, etc. Later came a long period devoted to Anglo-American music, especially rock and blues, always forming bands and performing live. My encounter with the world of images as a film director and producer also came through music. First by composing film scores and music for advertising. Later, as a director, I composed many of the main themes for my own films as well as for those of other filmmakers. With the making of these albums, I return to my musical roots. I have devoted all my determination and effort to creating a delicate and romantic work that I hope will not disappoint its listeners. Albums to relax and experience the sweet nostalgia of love.”

Javier Elorrieta

Paloma Antara - vocals
David Sanz - sax
Joseph John McEvilly - piano
Tom Jackson - double bass
Andrés Freites - drums

“Jazz cannot be explained — it must be felt!” In A Tale of New Orleans, the stage is transformed into a living map of the early 1900s. This project is a complete cultural immersion that intertwines live music with the story of a city unlike any other in the world.

We invite you to explore the myths, legends, and sounds that shaped the most influential genre in history. A sonic journey designed for those who seek to understand the origins of the magic behind this extraordinary musical tradition.

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

Special guests:
ATLANTICA Cultural Diplomacy Ambassadors:
Idania Valdés - vocals
Amadito Valdés - timbales
Yelena Lafargue Choir - choral ensemble representing Spain at the World Peace Choral Festival, Vienna 2026

In this new edition, presented within the framework of the Ateneo Chair, “The CUBintage” emerges as an artistic experience of high cultural value, where Cuban music engages in dialogue with memory, interpretative excellence, and contemporary cultural diplomacy.

“The CUBintage” serves as an ambassador project of the golden age of Cuban music from the 1950s and 1960s, paying cultural and musical tribute through a blend of tradition, sophistication, rhythm, and glamour. Inspired by legendary 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.

The evening will feature the exceptional participation of singer Idania Valdés and timbalero Amadito Valdés, internationally recognized artists connected to the historic Buena Vista Social Club, witnesses and bearers of a living musical heritage. Their presence reinforces the unique character of a project that not only performs, but embodies a living memory of Cuba’s musical legacy. Also joining the event is the Yelena Lafargue Choir, a choral ensemble distinguished by its artistic excellence and selected to represent Spain at the 2026 World Peace Choral Festival in Vienna. Their participation adds a symbolic and universal dimension to the gathering, strengthening the spirit of cultural dialogue, peace, and international cooperation.

“The CUBintage” is more than a concert: it is a celebration of Cuban musical heritage and its living projection into the present; a stage production that transcends music to become an act of cultural memory, artistic elegance, and connection through art.