Sin Funk No Hay Paraíso- Gata Brass Band & Sara Soul 17-7-2025
Third in the series of “Conciertos a la Puesta del Sol” at Cable Inglés, on 17/7, the “Gata Brass Band” appeared with guest singer Sara Soul in a musical-theatrical performance for the whole family, titled “Sin Funk No Hay Paraíso”. The setting, with the calm, peaceful sea and the sun slowly sinking into it, seemed ready to welcome the musicians. The atmosphere already felt like a family gathering even before the concert began.
Although I don’t want to reveal too much — so as not to spoil the surprises in the show — I can say that this wasn’t just a concert. It was a performance that had it all: theater, music, improvisation and, above all, full audience participation — something essential in concerts for young audiences. Parents, everyday people and especially younger children had the chance to discover jazz music and its instruments not through a lesson or a traditional static concert, but through theater, dance, and songs — expressing themselves freely, guided by music, without restrictions!
Each song flowed smoothly into the next, through a series of journalistic-style questions and clever answers by the musicians. With their theatrical acting, vivid facial expressions and the playful way they produced music — fully adapted to their audience — they managed to keep everyone engaged. Their funny (I must add!) English accent added a light-hearted touch, while they explained the journey of jazz from Africa to New Orleans in a simple, enjoyable way.
Their trick of using well-known jazz songs based on call-and-response interaction was what truly elevated the show — making us all sing along with the rhythm! Also, in some parts, the musicians played among the spectators, interacting especially with curious children. This broke away from the typical static format and gave the concert a festive, party-like tone. The musicians encouraged the audience to participate actively — inviting volunteers to assist on stage or urging everyone to clap along to the jazz rhythms. A special moment came when the playful “choo-choo-choo” sound of the audience’s voice-train in Memphis Train swept up both children and parents!
Wherever I looked, people were enjoying the show wholeheartedly — standing, clapping along, families dancing in circles holding hands with their children, and — most touching — little kids jumping up and down, hugging their friends, caught up in a pure, joyful atmosphere, free of worries.
All the band members gave their very best on stage. From the singer, with her expressive delivery of every lyric — not only in melody and tone, but also in movement — to the trumpet player who transported us in one piece with his… helicopter solo using beatbox.
And for me — and, I believe, for many others — the susafón stole the show, as it was my first time hearing this instrument.
And what better finale than a jam session led by the audience — mostly kids — who joined the band with maracas, tambourines and… their little clownfish friend “Nemo” during Don’t Worry, Be Happy, creating an experience that left a lasting memory!
After the concert… I was truly smiling like a child… stepping into the shoes of the little ones who were dancing happily around the stage… honestly, if I hadn’t been working, I would have joined in for a spin.
So, my sincere congratulations and best wishes to the band and the singer who, with their colorful music, improvisations, and sheer enthusiasm, took us back in time — bringing us closer to the child we all carry inside, and making us realize that:
“Sin funk… NO HAY PARAÍSO!”
Review by de Zoi Michailidou
Photos by Emilia Studnicka
