Clasijazz Big Band Swing & Funk + José Luis Jaén 10-7-2025
Second in the series of “Conciertos a la Puesta del Sol” performances at Cable Inglés, on July 10, was the young band of Clasijazz, “Clasijazz Big Band Swing & Funk,” with guest star the outstanding singer Jose Luis Jaen in a highly promising evening of Latin jazz music. It could not have been a more fitting venue nor a more suitable night for this genre. With the Alcazaba lit up in the background and the full moon reflecting on the sea… the perfect prerequisites for an exceptional concert atmosphere were already in place.
As a listener, although I am familiar with Latin sounds, which I really love, it was the first time I heard Latin jazz live. The result? It certainly vindicated me! Everyone from the band in their colorful shirts to the singer with his necklaces and white shirt exuded a sense of freedom that, as it later turned out, was intense even in their melodies…
The entire concert… revolved primarily around love… and this was evident not only in the lyrics but also in melodies without lyrics. The nuances in just the right places, the solos from the wind instruments, the improvisations on the Congas… elevated each song.
One moment that stood out was, of course, the piece written by a composer for her daughter, who has passed away… I may have been influenced by the conductor’s introduction… but as I listened… I could understand why it was written… the music had a tender sadness coupled with bright, playful joy … as if addressing a child.
The paradox of Latin music that takes me away every time… is that the lyrics may be sad… the song may speak of old or lost loves… but that stands in contrast to the melody, which is so rhythmic, so alive, so magical. Even when a piece relates to separation (Lágrimas Negras) the melody goes through so many stages, like a ride at a funfair, that it doesn’t leave you unaffected. From soft and sorrowful to intense, dynamic, and enthusiastic, as if representing the stages of a person’s breakup: moving from sorrow and emotional emptiness, to relief and the joy of accepting that it wasn’t the end of the world, that life goes on. And all these varied emotions… the band’s performance that night managed to convey to me not only through their lyrics but also through their emotionally-rich music… so familiar…
The clarinetist’s solos so sweet… the trumpets and trombone solos dynamic and pulsating at the same time… the double bass in the background with its discreet presence anchoring the rhythm… the piano with playful flourishes as the pianist’s fingers glide over the keys… And of course… the singer… with such expressiveness in his voice… In every song, such intense life experiences were expressed… for love… desire… passion for life… not only through words but through his entire stage presence… he didn’t just sing… he interpreted. He lived it. In his voice, I heard his love for the unseen presence addressed by the lyrics… his need to convey his longing to be with her… the faint sadness whenever the piece was sorrowful… as if the rest of the world had disappeared. And together with him… with the sounds of the winds, the piano glissandi, and the Congas I too was I felt myself swept away.
Furthermore, I was very impressed by the conductor, whose direction was unlike any I’ve seen before, whether as a participant or a spectator. Instead of conducting stiffly, he gave the rhythm and cues to the band while dancing. His cheerful mood and pride in the performance were visible on his face—qualities that transmitted themselves to the band, which in turn reflected that positive energy in their music, and all of that reached the audience.
The audience watched enthusiastically, and that vitality and energy from the musicians was transmitted in no time. People applauded loudly after each piece, whistled and stood up to cheer the artists. Also, there were many moments when audience and band collaborated—whether at the singer’s prompt, inviting people to clap in a rhythm, or spontaneously, each in whatever rhythm they felt matched the composition, something special that gave the evening a unique significance and energy.
When the concert ended with “Lá Batanga”, the band’s signature piece, which everyone—audience and musicians—sang together, swaying and clapping in unison for one more time was swept up in the spectacle. I realized that night that I, along with the entire audience, had danced more than ever, carried away by the music and the Conga rhythms… I was moved by the lyrics… I felt so many positive feelings, forgetting for a moment any worries…
It was a concert I would recommend without hesitation to lovers of Latin jazz, but also to anyone looking for a relaxing, danceable evening without stress, with a guaranteed joyful spirit.
Many congratulations and thanks to the band for the evening they gave us, and best wishes for the future!
Review by Zoi Michailidou
