Sneak preview of San Javier Jazz announced

Last week the mayor of San Javier, Pepa García and the director of Jazz San Javier 2010 Alberto Nieto, presented the poster and a preview of the programme for the XIII edition of the San Javier International Jazz Festival.

Artists that are already lined up to play include American rock legend Chris Isaak, the celebrated pianist Chucho Valdés, Dianne Reeves, one of the most important voices in contemporary jazz, James Carter Quintet, Roy Hargrove Quintet, led by the trumpet virtuoso Roy Hargrove and Barrelhouse Chuck & Lluís Coloma Quinteto, an extraordinary collaboration between two virtuosos of the blues piano and boogie-woogie.


The best-known name announced is possibly Chris Isaak, the singer, guitarist, occasional actor, and prolific composer. He had not recorded a new album since 2002 but the festival is very proud to announce that he will perform music from his new album ‘Mr. Lucky’. Also booked is the great Chucho Valdés who has recently received his seventh Grammy Award. The restless and brilliant musician has created a new band, The Afrocuban Messenger, to bring a new sound to the festival. Dianne Reeves is considered to be one the most important singers in contemporary jazz today. Influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Bille Holiday and especially Sarah Vaughan, Dianne is today's heir of the traditions of the great female jazz vocalists of the 20th century.

Two superb quintets shall also be performing; James Carter’s and Roy Hargrove’s. The debut of James Carter at Jazz San Javier in 2008 was one of the most memorable concerts of the XI edition of the festival. "Hurrican" Carter returns to San Javier with an extraordinary group to present his latest album, and to showcase his complete mastery of the entire range of saxophones and the perfect rapport of one of the most superb quintets that have come to San Javier throughout the history of the festival.

Roy Hargrove is a virtuoso of the trumpet and flugelhorn, who combines elements of jazz, funk, hip-hop and soul. He also leads the Roy Hargrove Big Band and has has collaborated with other jazz greats like Hank Jones, with whom he performed in Jazz San Javier three years ago.

And for something completely different Barrelhouse Chuck & Lluís Coloma Quinteto, two virtuosos of the blues piano and boogie-woogie will be performing together. On one side we have the great Barrelhouse Chuck, the only Chicago blues pianist that has studied with Sunnyland Slim, Pinetop Perkins and Blind John Davis. He is a pianist that incorporates into his style the very best of tradition and who is also gifted with a marvelous singing voice. On the other side we have Lluís Coloma, a Spanish pianist whose fame reaches beyond our borders and who is recognized as one of the best blues and boogie-woogie pianists in Europe. It will be a duel of two pianos, and piano versus Hammond B3, joined by Lluis' great quintet.

The festival starts at the end of June and runs for about four weeks with the full programme of artists, times and ticket prices available in April. For Jazz, Blues and music lovers everywhere, the San Javier festival has become one of the most important in Spain and booking early is advised, especially for household names such as Chris Isaak. If last year’s full houses for the likes of John Fogerty are anything to go by, it should be a great festival for everyone.

Keith Nicol