This double concert offers room to two of the most promising jazz musicians who have finished the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in recent years. Both come from Spain, both are living in Amsterdam and both are friends of each other as well.
Pianist Xavi Torres recently released his solo album Curiosity, on which he interchanges his original compositions with imaginative free flights. In his solo performances he brings together everything that preoccupies him, from Argentinean dance music and African rhythms to references to Mahler and Messiaen, revealing his classical background. He previously performed solo at the BIMHUIS during the 12 Points Festival, where he made a deep impression. In 2018 he reached great heights at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in Washington, D.C.
In essence, Bruno Calvo is a jazz trumpeter, but he also displays influences from classical music and various other styles; one can hear that he grew up in Cádiz, the cradle of flamenco. Bruno has been performing in Maarten Hogenhuis Trio +3 and the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, with which he recently performed at the Birdland Jazz Club in New York with special guest Dr. Lonnie Smith. In 2017 he won the second price at the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, the most prestigious jazz trumpet competition. Bruno’s Amsterdam-based quartet features well-known alto saxophonist Ben van Gelder. The group’s first album Outlines was released on the prestigious label Fresh Sound.
Xavi Torres piano
Bruno Calvo trumpet, Ben van Gelder alto sax, Clemens van der Feen bass, Francesco Ciniglio drums