From today until the 29th, jazz will be the one that marks the rhythm of the city. The Madrid International Jazz Festival, more national than ever, comes with a cycle of activities around the most acclaimed of genres. Not only will there be concerts, it will also be a tribute to all the performing arts with jazz as a conductive thread. So we can find theatre and literature, through the staging of the show “Jazz Scenes”, a dramatized reading of texts by authors such as Jack Kerouac, Julio Cortázar or Boris Vian, in the voices of different actors, directed by Juan Carlos Corazza and musical atmosphere at the piano by Pepe Rivero. To this end, several conferences will be joined, including an open debate between women dedicated from very different facets to jazz music; the presentation of Jaime Bajo González’s book “The Spell of Groove”; the screening of Shirley Clarke’s film “Ornette: Made in America”, in Cineteca or a photographic exhibition dedicated to women who have participated artistically in JAZZMADRID’s programming. As for recitals, this will be a different year, not only because of the circumstances in which we are, but also because of the organization that has decided to work with artists of the local circuit supporting the maltrecho cultural sector and expanding the spectrum of genres to give visibility. However, quality proposals that allow you to enjoy jazz in all its aspects.
With the intention of “giving a colorful touch” the door is opened to other rhythms. Some examples are Chano Domínguez and Martirio with their tribute concert to the Cuban Snowball, which will close the festival. The quartet of the trumpeter Enriquito with its flamenco influence or the new line-up of the veteran jazz player Javier Colina that has Josemi Carmona, Antonio Serrano and Borja Barrueta among its ranks. Also noteworthy are the classical concerts by Pepe Rivero or the incorporation of emerging musicians with an incalculable career and projection such as Miryam Latrece Quartet or Roberto Nieva Quintet. Also Big Band lovers have their nod within this event with the performance of the Madrid Municipal Symphonic Band directed by Jan Cover that will have as guests heavyweights of the scene such as Luis Cobos, Aurora García, Pedro Ruy Blas, Pepe Sánchez or Jayme Marques.
It is a festival for all tastes, for all audiences, from cutting-edge jazz to young talent to the purest of the standards. Special mention to Pedro Iturralde who died a few days ago and who this year will shine for his absence. The artist planned to participate with a concert on 23 in the Galileo room that he could no longer be. Continuing to give concerts at the age of 91 should give - to those who were not lucky enough to know him - an idea of his love for jazz and the dedication he dedicated. So, following music is the best of tributes.
The complete program is available on the JazzMadrid2020 website.
