Jazz in Nerja

Young N' LoudYoung N' Loud6 hours ago16 Views

Usually many other countries than Spain are considered “jazz countries”. I have experienced several excellent musicians and bands in Andalucia in South Spain that have changed my perspective in a good way. One of these are Roberto Cantero from Malaga with his Quartet. (Photo above; Robert Cantero)

Four musicians posing together, smiling. One holds a guitar, while the others wear casual shirts. The background features musical instruments and a colorful setting.

Nerja is a small town on the East side of Malaga, known more for the impressive Cuevas, one of Europes largest cave structures than for live music. But the town has an idealistic culture club called Ventana Abierta (Open Window) that organizes opera performances, flamenco competitions for young people and a more or less bi-weekly jazz club at one of the town’s bars.

A musician playing the saxophone passionately on stage, flanked by a pianist and a bassist. The scene is lively with colorful stage lights and a vibrant atmosphere.

Here jazz bands from the area – mostly from Malaga, but also some from Granada, Sevilla or other cities in Andalucia – play for an audience of around 40, which is the total capacity of the club. And the concerts are all sold out. Two weeks ago I saw the excellent Juan Caballero Trio with Enrique Oliver, and this Friday it was Roberto Cantero’s turn.

A musician playing a digital piano on stage, smiling and engaged in the performance. The background features warm lighting and a screen with text.

I saw Roberto Cantero and his band one year ago at the same place, and it was a real joy to see them again. This time they had a new bassist, Pablo Alfieri, while the pianist, Juan Carranque, and drummer Hernán Priore are the same as last year.

A male drummer playing a drum set, focused and wearing a blue shirt, with curtains in the background.

The music of Roberto Cantero Quartet are mostly their own compositions, with a jazz standard or two thrown into the mix, but arranged in the style of the band. This means a mix of jazz, funk, some soul and also the Spanish flamenco – a gumbo that reminds me of artists like Gato Barbieri and a funky Chick Corea’s Return to Forever.

A joyful musician playing a bright red bass guitar, wearing a pink shirt and cap, with an expression of happiness while performing on stage.

The musicians are all excellent and while the audience had a really good time, it was also obvious that the band enjoyed themselves. I have always loved hearing and seeing good musicians, and as a former (not very good) bass player, it was an extra bonus for me to see and hear Pablo Alfieri on his five string bass. Both when he played in the band and when he soloed.

A live band performance featuring a saxophonist in a black shirt, a keyboard player, and a bassist in a red shirt. The setting has a cozy ambiance with curtains and a stage backdrop.

Robert Cantero Quartet is a solid unit that should be on the posters for many of Europe’s festivals, and I hope they come to Norway at some point. If you have a chance to see them, do it! You will regret it if you don’t!