The Tour de France and the Getxo Jazz Festival clashed over the weekend as the iconic cycling race coincided with the 46th edition of the jazz festival. The presence of the Tour de France made it difficult for musicians to arrive and depart from the festival, as the city of Getxo was literally besieged by the multicolored snake of cyclists. Roads were closed, access was blocked, and hotels were overwhelmed. The Tour de France seemed to overshadow the jazz festival, making it challenging for attendees to enjoy the five days of luminous and energetic music. However, despite the obstacles, the power of music prevailed, resulting in one of the most satisfying editions of the festival in recent years from an artistic standpoint.
In the European young groups competition, the French quartet led by Italian alto saxophonist Giulio Ottanelli emerged as the winners. Ottanelli showcased his sharp compositional instincts and unique personality, supported by a contemporary revision of bebop. On the main stage of the festival, the Muxikebarri, two men stole the show: guitarist Marc Ribot and bassist Dave Holland. Ribot delivered a torrential proposal of improvised music influenced by free jazz and punk, accompanied by the revolutionary Ceramic Dog trio, which includes drummer and percussionist Ches Smith and multi-instrumentalist bassist Shahzad Ismaily. They presented new material from their album “Connection,” which translated into an adrenaline-filled jazz experience during their live performance.
Next, Dave Holland took the stage with his new quartet, featuring saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, drummer Nasheet Waits, and pianist Kris Davis. Holland, who once played with Miles Davis, showcased his rhythmic expertise while Shaw displayed imaginative and powerful saxophone playing. Davis, with her unique and impossible phrasing, demonstrated her exceptional talent on the piano. The quartet delivered a contemporary jazz experience with a singular creative energy. The concert featured a captivating composition by Davis, showcasing the technical and expressive excellence of the quartet, with Shaw’s unstoppable performance, Waits’ precision, and Davis’ magical presence. Holland, as always, held everything together with his erudite rhythmic pulse and delivered emotionally diverse solos.
The festival also featured the delightful guitar of Al di Meola and the captivating voices of Jazzmeia Horn and Kurt Elling. Horn, a talented singer, showcased her skills in the entertainment realm, but her talent seemed somewhat contrived. On the other hand, Elling proved to be the male singer with the most class and vocal truth.
Despite the challenges posed by the Tour de France, the Getxo Jazz Festival managed to overcome the obstacles and deliver a memorable edition filled with exceptional performances. The clash between bikes and saxophones ultimately resulted in a triumph of music over the pedal power, leaving attendees satisfied and inspired by the power of jazz.
In what ways did the Christian Scott Quintet’s fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and soul create a unique and vibrant sound during their performance
Id Pastorius. Ribot, known for his innovative and experimental style, delivered a mesmerizing performance, blending jazz, rock, and blues effortlessly. Meanwhile, Pastorius, son of the legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius, showcased his virtuosity on the bass, captivating the audience with his technical flair and melodic solos.
Another highlight of the festival was the performance by the Christian Scott Quintet, led by renowned trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah. The quintet brought a fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and soul to the stage, creating a unique and vibrant sound. Adjuah’s powerful trumpet playing and the band’s tight improvisation left the audience in awe.
The festival also provided a platform for local talent to shine. The Basque jazz trio, Amaiur Cazenave Trio, delivered a captivating performance, showcasing their modern approach to jazz with a touch of traditional Basque music. Their intricate melodies and dynamic rhythm section captivated the audience, earning them well-deserved praise.
Despite the challenges posed by the Tour de France, the Getxo Jazz Festival managed to deliver a memorable experience for jazz enthusiasts. The clash of two major events created a unique atmosphere, where the power of music triumphed over logistical difficulties. The festival proved once again that jazz has the ability to transcend boundaries and bring people together in celebration of art and creativity.
“Despite challenges posed by the Tour de France, the Getxo Jazz Festival prevails with remarkable performances by Marc Ribot and Dave Holland. A testament to the resilience and dedication of its organizers, this event proved that outstanding music can conquer any obstacle.”