# A European Celebration of Musical Excellence, Artistic Freedom and the Living Spirit at Autumn – Winter Jazz – Blues Season: Photos

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2026/11/07/4546/
- Published: 2026-11-07T04:00:34+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

### **EUROPE • NOVEMBER 2026 • FESTIVAL SPECIAL REPORT • EU Jazz & Blues Festival 2026!!!**

Europe in November has a particular musical atmosphere. Its historic concert halls,
intimate jazz clubs, theatres, cultural centres and beautifully illuminated city
streets become gathering places for musicians whose artistic languages may be different,
yet whose deepest inspiration comes from the same source: the freedom of music.

The 2026 Autumn–Winter Jazz – Blues Season of the EU Jazz & Blues Festival continues
this extraordinary journey, bringing together internationally celebrated artists,
Grammy Award winners, innovative young musicians, distinguished instrumentalists
and passionate representatives of the blues tradition.

![](https://i0.wp.com/jazzblues.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Jazz-Blues.jpg?resize
=640%2C427&ssl=1)

From Paris to Vienna, Milan to London, Berlin to Bremen, Hamburg to Madrid, and 
from the Mediterranean landscapes of southern France to the cultural heart of Toulouse,
the programme demonstrates the extraordinary diversity of contemporary European 
musical life.

This is not simply a succession of concerts. It is a meeting of generations, traditions,
musical philosophies and artistic personalities. It is a celebration of the relationship
between jazz and improvisation, blues and human emotion, sophisticated arrangements
and spontaneous musical discovery.

The programme is particularly remarkable for the contrasts it embraces. The extraordinary
vocal architecture of Take 6 stands alongside the experimental dialogue of David
Binney and Louis Cole. The youthful energy of the Moses Yoofee Trio meets the sophisticated
Scandinavian sound of Nils Petter Molvær and Rymden. The deeply rooted blues-rock
language of Joe Bonamassa and Ainsley Lister finds its place beside the modern rhythmic
imagination of Nate Smith and Theo Croker.

And throughout this European musical journey, one principle remains constant: jazz
and blues are living art forms, continually renewed by musicians who respect their
traditions while refusing to be limited by them.

## The concerts – an artistic journey across Europe

![Take 6 Concerts & Live Tour Dates: 2026-2027 Tickets | Bandsintown](https://images.
openai.com/static-rsc-4/qlFDVlyLubIw2ddwi9HlE0r5INHWSNV1Bbl8AMvvS7NhFpqqNWZPn4uepUoZn50w6SpatuivafOSXaKxJrahqWx2lCSqicMcYG2b528PrBmqcD3FW2iA1AmRFvFKRRArP8vYfG-
dsoyGTU6EYojneU4A1qqMe-Z_xaZMCZvWh0XE_iJZCinQcQFEuOy8BiYC?purpose=fullsize)

## Take 6 – The Rhapsody Tour

_**La Seine Musicale, Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris, France!** _Few vocal ensembles
have transformed the possibilities of a cappella music as profoundly as Take 6. 
Their appearance at the magnificent La Seine Musicale with the programme Rhapsody
represents one of the most sophisticated vocal-jazz highlights of this European 
season.

The ensemble’s extraordinary musical identity has always been built upon the meeting
of gospel traditions, jazz harmony, rhythm and blues, sophisticated vocal arrangements
and an almost orchestral approach to the human voice. Their multiple Grammy Awards
are a testament not only to their technical achievements but also to their lasting
influence on contemporary vocal music.

The Rhapsody programme offers a particularly fascinating opportunity to explore 
jazz standards through the distinctive Take 6 vocabulary.

What makes this ensemble so remarkable is its ability to transform six individual
voices into an extraordinarily flexible musical instrument. The bass establishes
the harmonic foundation, the baritone and tenor voices construct the inner architecture,
while the higher registers provide colour, movement and melodic brilliance.

Their approach to improvisation is equally fascinating. Rather than relying on instrumental
accompaniment, the singers create an entire musical environment through vocal percussion,
rhythmic syllables, harmonic extensions, contrapuntal movement and subtle dynamic
changes.

![Take 6 Tickets, Concerts & 2026 Tour Dates](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-
4/naYgrJd5brJpcqwQEgYWT7NW4HkjsTXCHr-rQu9dv8CHWkeFX_rem9h9KLoHF3knt5no_PULhRQjtALerOcvQVu0_EwXjLhAs-
nWFMczLvfQ2Y7VgnpcA0qcvnc0-NAaHGtxlqhYbWUbH8hYnDcLR8iQvWxghECA2G_ms0YYia4sz80NrPDWx_8nmSIrZicw?
purpose=fullsize)

A familiar jazz standard can suddenly acquire an entirely new identity: a phrase
may begin as a gentle ballad, develop into a swinging passage and eventually become
a complex gospel-infused harmonic celebration.

La Seine Musicale, with its contemporary architecture and impressive acoustics, 
provides an exceptional setting for such an experience. This is music that demonstrates
how extraordinary the human voice can become when precision, imagination, discipline
and emotion meet.

### David Binney & Louis Cole – A Meeting of Musical Independence

![David Binney Action Trio At Joe Henderson Lab - Backstage Bay Area](https://images.
openai.com/static-rsc-4/dP53fhWg-8LGmyNO1RbtKah5-rr92tPHlgdaEwUygSHdRAjtDDCHR-lNcnLuRI35aX_S_SiDDXwhAcmoZMRTvwFxkHSMTxq3yTFD-
CgcR_Zx9HT2gtSHWOM1pgKX9B9nrqTcMQFzNVyRH8SvMtGTMYCfG1avnjJODvntXQ1KIdfo_kfSxZDqjAZDZWv403YR?
purpose=fullsize)

_**La Petite Halle, Paris, France!** _The encounter between saxophonist David Binney
and drummer, composer and producer Louis Cole represents one of the most intriguing
combinations of the season. Both musicians have developed distinctive musical identities
outside conventional stylistic boundaries.

Binney belongs to the generation of contemporary jazz improvisers who have expanded
the harmonic and compositional language of modern jazz. His alto saxophone possesses
an unmistakable character: incisive, articulate, intellectually adventurous and 
capable of moving from lyrical reflection to explosive improvisational intensity.
His compositions frequently reveal an interest in complex rhythmic structures, unusual
harmonic relationships and musical narratives that develop through carefully constructed
yet open-ended forms.

Louis Cole brings another dimension to this encounter. Known as a co-founder of 
KNOWER, he has established himself as one of the most original rhythmic personalities
in contemporary music. His drumming combines extraordinary technical control, electronic
sensibility, unexpected rhythmic accents and a powerful understanding of groove.

![Louis Cole Closes Portland Jazz Festival With A Shapeshifting Quartet Of Multitalented
Friends — PDX Jazz](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/yjADMzyokpCBdVdXc-qKSqtrRPR8weZOIwgJGmDlGKtVK8ugV0bVn7tHlKQ3Wo8VGseYdiBx7V9oYF-
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G_?purpose=fullsize)

The meeting of these two artists creates an exciting artistic proposition. The saxophone
can unfold a long, harmonically sophisticated melodic statement while the drums 
respond with irregular accents, sharply defined rhythmic figures and unexpected 
changes of intensity. At other moments, the relationship can reverse: Cole establishes
a rhythmic landscape, and Binney explores its possibilities through spontaneous 
melodic invention.

La Petite Halle is particularly appropriate for this kind of musical encounter. 
Its informal, contemporary atmosphere encourages close contact between musicians
and listeners. The result is a fascinating dialogue between acoustic jazz improvisation
and the rhythmic imagination of the contemporary experimental scene. The performance
was scheduled for 5 November, as confirmed by La Petite Halle.

## Moses Yoofee Trio – The New Energy of European Jazz

![Qobuzissime: Moses Yoofee Trio - Qobuz Magazine](https://images.openai.com/static-
rsc-4/7vpK-0D3nXs2LbfIbwTQt65zOwatv-pPZqnbIlVvVn2dgBXZ7I4i09OwfDnQ4H3nVqvdSyM3zrbVgcmH4SwMu-
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_**Porgy & Bess, Vienna, Austria!** _The appearance of the Moses Yoofee Trio at 
Vienna’s legendary Porgy & Bess represents the younger generation’s increasingly
important contribution to European jazz.

Featuring Moses Yoofee on piano, Roman Klobe on bass and Noah Fürbringer on drums,
the trio has developed a contemporary musical vocabulary that moves naturally between
jazz, hip-hop, soul, R&B and electronic influences.

Their music is energetic without being superficial, technically sophisticated without
losing its accessibility, and experimental without abandoning the essential values
of musical communication.

Moses Yoofee’s piano playing is particularly interesting because it combines harmonic
imagination with a strong rhythmic identity. His phrases can emerge from the traditional
language of jazz piano before suddenly transforming into syncopated patterns, modern
harmonic sequences and sharply defined rhythmic motifs.

Roman Klobe provides a flexible foundation, responding to the changing musical direction
with sensitivity and rhythmic precision. Noah Fürbringer is an especially important
component of the trio’s personality. His drumming contributes an energetic, contemporary
pulse, frequently blurring the boundaries between traditional jazz swing, hip-hop
rhythms and more experimental grooves.

The trio’s strength lies in its collective approach. Rather than presenting three
separate instrumental performances, the musicians construct a shared musical environment
in which every rhythmic gesture can influence the next improvisational decision.

Porgy & Bess, one of Vienna’s most respected jazz institutions, is an ideal location
for this kind of contemporary music. The trio’s appearance on 5 November was listed
as sold out by the club, an encouraging indication of the enthusiasm surrounding
this generation of musicians.

### Alexis Lombre – Soul, Jazz and the Art of Musical Storytelling

![Alexis Lombre - Four One One](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/FNZIVsMyyXnJLiziSoY9asyE37HvtkK59-
gl-1sV4pjiUGOcKMC-9tTVZIClAbwJBrxSrub92L1ZRHw0PlaQpAQtGuLellMzXRBbildOhijd4w2EvdAJxUKa8scI5QDRDZJzWGLRfuYDTeUGS-
yUP5wqvKN5i3JM5ZKet2_I4q7ca7EmY3TKoYiuLncjT9sS?purpose=fullsize)

_**Blue Note Milano, Milan, Italy!** _The presence of American pianist, vocalist
and composer Alexis Lombre brings an especially soulful dimension to the festival’s
Milan programme.

A musician associated with Chicago’s vibrant creative music community, Lombre represents
an artistic generation that understands jazz not as a closed stylistic category 
but as an expansive language capable of embracing gospel, soul, R&B, hip-hop and
contemporary improvisation. Her musical personality is rooted in expressive communication.
The piano provides a harmonic and rhythmic foundation, while her compositional sensibility
reflects the influence of African American musical traditions and the contemporary
urban experience.

There is an important distinction between playing notes beautifully and communicating
something through music. Lombre’s artistic approach places particular emphasis on
the second. Her work is characterised by emotional sincerity, soulful harmonic language
and a willingness to move between genres without artificial divisions.

At Blue Note Milano, this musical personality belongs naturally within the club’s
long tradition of presenting artists who connect jazz heritage with contemporary
expression. That distinction does not diminish her importance. On the contrary, 
her participation in this international female-led musical collaboration offers 
a particularly interesting artistic context.

## Ainsley Lister – British Blues-Rock with Character and Soul

![Aynsley Lister | The Met](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/gu-QdeBQBkvaVxLT-
ukWH63OEshU7ZluOHR3pyPrj79HeldwU84BXnOZzJvgcI_CWdUTHAyK1CjwDt-rC6BSvrqUoQGOUxI8yVmwTHj3ePsFtjolc-
aJBrBpJVFdlFaqJZrnQSCE8lzYDMgZu4tkfYA94mU7SEs3k69uB6msMGrfz1HvTNOGq-oGFuXf4XEt?purpose
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_**Altes Kino Rankweil, Rankweil, Austria!** _British guitarist, singer and songwriter
Ainsley Lister brings the authentic spirit of contemporary blues-rock to the Austrian
chapter of the festival.

Lister belongs to a tradition of guitarists for whom the blues is not simply a historical
vocabulary but an expressive language that continues to evolve. His musical personality
combines the emotional directness of traditional blues with the intensity and sonic
freedom of rock. His guitar playing can be forceful and powerful, yet it also possesses
an instinctive lyrical quality.

The most interesting aspect of this kind of performance is the relationship between
restraint and intensity. A single sustained guitar note, coloured by vibrato and
carefully controlled amplification, can communicate more than a long sequence of
technically impressive phrases. The emotional value of a blues performance often
emerges from precisely this ability to shape tension, release and melodic expectation.

Lister’s singing adds another essential dimension. The voice carries the narrative,
while the guitar expands and sometimes challenges it, creating a conversation between
lyrical expression and instrumental improvisation.

The intimate atmosphere of Altes Kino Rankweil offers a particularly appropriate
environment for this musical language. In a smaller venue, the audience can experience
the details that sometimes become lost in larger concert spaces: the articulation
of the guitar, the interaction between the rhythm section and soloist, the subtle
changes in dynamics and the emotional character of the vocals. This is blues-rock
at its most communicative: direct, passionate, personal and deeply connected to 
the tradition.

## Joe Bonamassa – A Major Celebration of Contemporary Blues-Rock

![“My message to young players is: be who you are. People who get it don't care 
about rulebooks and stupid internet polls”: Joe Bonamassa names 6 up-and-coming 
blues guitarists you need to hear | Guitar World](https://images.openai.com/static-
rsc-4/cvTfnfRJ3sNrlac_ytla3sSkB4x8Qt3ZaapT811SinYX26VMmsvVIIHB_OWFAxrGmwjMlFQsPclqtQDV_LD9-
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_**Zénith Toulouse Métropole, Toulouse, France!** _The appearance of Joe Bonamassa
in Toulouse is among the major blues-rock attractions of the festival season.

Over the course of his distinguished international career, Bonamassa has become 
one of the most recognisable guitarists in contemporary blues-rock, combining an
extensive knowledge of blues history with the power, sophistication and scale of
modern rock performance. His guitar language reflects a remarkable range of influences.
The expressive vocabulary of B.B. King, the explosive energy of British blues-rock,
the dramatic phrasing of classic electric blues and the expansive sound of arena
rock all contribute to his distinctive musical identity.

Yet Bonamassa’s artistry is not simply about virtuosity. His strongest performances
demonstrate a deep understanding of musical architecture. He knows how to build 
an instrumental passage gradually, beginning with a relatively restrained melodic
statement before increasing its intensity through phrasing, harmonic development
and dynamic control.

The Toulouse concert is particularly associated with his album Breakthrough, while
also embracing important compositions from his extensive recording career. The large-
scale environment of Zénith Toulouse Métropole allows his band to develop the full
dimensions of this music.

A powerful rhythm section, carefully constructed arrangements and the expressive
possibilities of Bonamassa’s guitar create a performance in which blues tradition
meets contemporary concert production.

The most compelling moments in such a concert often arrive when the music moves 
beyond sheer volume and technical brilliance. A beautifully shaped guitar phrase,
a sudden harmonic shift or an extended instrumental passage can reveal the emotional
depth behind the spectacular sound.

### Andres Roots – Thirty Years of Blues, Experience and Artistic Independence

![Estonian Blues Slide Guitar Maestro Andres Roots Releases New Album 'Vol. 12'](
https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/wqw5sjg9TtcQRBYNiUxfRgECpWtLJKQdkIpaclTnP-
yECc8pmkKSGZua3N9xhwPfqTnn01dvphJ-YKFpJ9ZUx-aBbcQ8RHanxB1yy6KNDi7KHskDlkLxOHr1Lt_LsrarupO81STqVfRoWBX8QNAnSiZ6VWJ00_LsP6uqSr8Icw5PyYUOakwTacmvOelg7wYL?
purpose=fullsize)

_**Sendesaal Bremen, Bremen, Germany!**_ The celebration of the 30th anniversary
of Estonian guitarist Andres Roots on stage is a particularly meaningful moment 
in the festival’s blues programme.

Roots represents a European blues tradition that has developed its own character
while remaining deeply connected to the historical roots of the genre. His music
reflects the expressive possibilities of acoustic and electric blues, drawing upon
the traditions of the Mississippi Delta, country blues and the European interpretation
of American roots music.

The anniversary gives the performance an additional emotional significance. Thirty
years on stage represent much more than technical experience. They represent thousands
of musical encounters, countless hours of performance, an evolving relationship 
with the instrument and the gradual development of an individual artistic voice.

The distinction of being recognised as a Blues Hall of Fame artist, as presented
in the festival programme, adds another dimension to this celebration. Sendesaal
Bremen is an especially attractive venue for such a performance. Its reputation 
for excellent acoustics and its intimate relationship between performer and audience
make it possible to appreciate the subtle elements of blues interpretation.

In this environment, the smallest musical details become meaningful: the resonance
of a guitar string, the rhythmic placement of a phrase, the expressive pauses between
notes and the emotional weight of a familiar blues progression. The Andres Roots
anniversary concert celebrates the endurance of the blues as a living European musical
tradition.

### Marialy Pacheco & Maite Hontelé – The Grandeur of Latin Jazz and Musical Dialogue

![Marialy Pacheco Trio feat. Nils Wülker – Jazz meets lateinamerikanische Musik 
beim Zelt Festival in Freiburg – Region im Blick](https://images.openai.com/static-
rsc-4/uU2k69u9TxpXrwyzVh-8D8iGT8UVtyfQt4k4c3kcEgEkDOqdii-SInqkG8Ei0BKG2ePc8cj2M-
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_**Große Blues & Boogie Night, Friedrich-Ebert-Halle, Hamburg, Germany!**_ The appearance
of pianist Marialy Pacheco and trumpeter Maite Hontelé brings an exciting Latin 
dimension to the festival’s German programme.

Their musical identities are distinct, yet they share an extraordinary understanding
of rhythm, melodic expression and the relationship between jazz improvisation and
Latin American musical traditions. Pacheco’s piano playing is characterised by rhythmic
vitality, harmonic sophistication and a powerful connection to Cuban musical culture.

Her performances frequently combine the complexity of contemporary jazz with the
rhythmic foundations of Cuban music, creating a sound that can be simultaneously
intellectually engaging and irresistibly danceable. Maite Hontelé brings the brilliance
of the trumpet, with a musical language influenced by salsa, Afro-Cuban traditions,
Latin jazz and the broader history of Caribbean music.

![Horn Of Plenty - Maite Hontelé](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/r3LGlclb5AyXOsuBvkBXFOsPrxIVgyXQAOZE48809YzTYIo2ZPyXeMc0PyRilni6yTrwGg1KOe2YBEaRzQbg3h0qmlt5KE7LIFLzrnFbjs97P3Hsrh9jW0bzqxlxeAlK8hptjsyVtdNtrUR3k3Z-
vilJ0a-Ga4LvHry4_FWOJMIjSktRKs6II2O2gfwKTi7N?purpose=fullsize)

Her sound possesses warmth, clarity and a natural sense of rhythmic movement. The
meeting of piano and trumpet offers particularly rich possibilities. The piano can
establish intricate rhythmic patterns and harmonic progressions, while the trumpet
responds with melodic statements that combine lyrical elegance with improvisational
freedom.

Presented within the atmosphere of the Große Blues & Boogie Night, their contribution
also demonstrates how naturally jazz can connect with blues, boogie and the wider
traditions of dance-oriented music. The Friedrich-Ebert-Halle provides a spacious
setting for this celebration of musical colour, rhythm and international exchange.

### Theo Croker – A New Vocabulary for the Modern Trumpet

![On-Demand: Theo Croker | SFJAZZ At Home](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-
4/_n70_FyShdTTR3XvH2gQY2LmUxJbeQLz70fKghO3OToA8rLx_6WAbumt7m4udVIBET01-97GgxSgtq-
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_**Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, London, United Kingdom!**_ The appearance of Theo Croker
at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is one of the most symbolically significant
events in the programme.

Croker belongs to a generation of musicians who have transformed the relationship
between contemporary jazz, hip-hop, electronic music and modern soul. A Grammy-nominated
trumpeter, composer, producer and musical storyteller, he has developed a highly
individual approach to the trumpet. His sound is immediately recognisable for its
combination of expressive warmth, atmospheric textures, rhythmic invention and a
remarkable sense of space.

Croker’s music is not interested in maintaining rigid boundaries between genres.
Instead, he creates a musical environment in which acoustic trumpet, contemporary
production, electronic textures and rhythmic elements can coexist organically. His
approach is particularly interesting because it retains the improvisational spirit
of jazz while incorporating the vocabulary of modern urban music.

A trumpet phrase might begin with a recognisable jazz inflection, then develop into
a more atmospheric melodic statement, supported by hip-hop-inspired rhythms and 
sophisticated harmonic textures.

The historic Ronnie Scott’s provides a fascinating contrast to this contemporary
language. Founded in 1959, the club has witnessed generations of jazz innovation.
Its intimate atmosphere has traditionally encouraged direct musical communication,
allowing listeners to experience the smallest expressive details of an instrumental
performance. Croker’s presence therefore represents a meeting between jazz history
and its evolving future.

### Nils Petter Molvær Group & Rymden – Scandinavian Jazz Beyond Boundaries

![Nils Petter Molvær Jazz Trompeter - Gerhard Richter Köln](https://images.openai.
com/static-rsc-4/eyKbmXMlyEtG1byAc6VMylbqkLtfEYGHCeIi88eREi6IAogWMEwczE30SmNLV-ZzKgUDS1INhXWLtUCMWOv1WzudzlCRamKVjkmcMCD1V7-
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_**Salle Guy Obino, Vitrolles, France!** _The combination of Norwegian trumpeter
Nils Petter Molvær and the Scandinavian super-trio Rymden represents one of the 
most ambitious artistic propositions of the season.

Molvær has long been recognised as one of the most influential figures in the development
of contemporary European jazz. His approach to trumpet playing combines acoustic
expression with electronic processing, atmospheric sound design and a cinematic 
sense of musical space. His music often unfolds like a film without images.

Rather than relying exclusively on conventional song structures, he constructs sound
environments through sustained trumpet phrases, electronic textures, subtle rhythmic
movement and carefully developed layers of atmosphere. Rymden, consisting of pianist
Bugge Wesseltoft, bassist Dan Berglund and drummer Magnus Öström, represents another
major force in Scandinavian contemporary jazz.

The trio brings together three highly individual musical personalities. Wesseltoft’s
piano language combines classical influences, jazz harmony and electronic experimentation.
Berglund contributes a powerful and sometimes atmospheric bass sound, while Öström’s
drumming combines rhythmic precision with remarkable textural sensitivity.

![Bugge Wesseltoft / Magnus Öström / Dan Berglund 'Rymden' (N/S) im Porgy & Bess-
Jazz & Music Club](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/V5yxisUDOTq11YK8Z-o5tE2uc7GwXx5Dm5x83gx3ei7u-
WHtmXqUQyp63qog5fUumZwTb40TqTDn1FJy6wH3ul8f2yw45o-gVOedNOvd7JRNkUEvIZAIZWmQeO9_SXJ8pdxQesJeS9J2slP5MenZXxOAn50FC6YC-
s2o5OqvkEYrOhLwrzttjpkrGpMP5MUw?purpose=fullsize)

Their collaboration with Molvær opens fascinating possibilities. The trumpet can
emerge from the musical landscape like a solitary voice, gradually becoming integrated
into the rhythmic and harmonic architecture of the trio. At other moments, the piano,
bass and drums can construct a powerful instrumental foundation upon which Molvær
develops extended melodic statements.

The result is an artistic dialogue between composition and improvisation, acoustic
instruments and electronic sound, introspection and collective energy. The performance
in Vitrolles embodies the festival’s commitment to music that expands the possibilities
of jazz.

### Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet featuring Eric Alexander – The Enduring Power of Hard Bop

![11th Tucson Jazz Festival lineup includes legends, newbies | Music | tucson.com](
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_**Zig Zag Jazz Club, Berlin, Germany!** _The meeting of trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis
and tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander offers a powerful celebration of the enduring
American jazz tradition.

Delfeayo Marsalis is a musician whose artistic personality encompasses performance,
composition, production and a deep commitment to the cultural heritage of New Orleans.
His trombone playing is grounded in the traditions of jazz, blues and gospel, yet
it possesses the rhythmic freedom and harmonic sophistication of modern straight-
ahead jazz.

Eric Alexander brings a contrasting but complementary musical personality. His tenor
saxophone sound is full-bodied, warm and powerful, with an unmistakable connection
to the hard-bop tradition.

The combination of these two instrumental voices is particularly attractive because
the trombone and tenor saxophone can create a rich and flexible ensemble sound. 
The trombone’s broader tonal character provides a strong counterpoint to the saxophone’s
more penetrating melodic voice.

Together, the musicians can explore blues-inflected themes, swinging arrangements,
extended improvisations and complex harmonic passages. The quintet’s programme also
embraces the historical connections between New Orleans, Chicago and Harlem, drawing
upon the musical heritage associated with Armstrong, Parker, Gershwin, Monk and 
the Jazz Crusaders.

The accompanying rhythm section—Renato Chicco on piano, Glen Fisher on bass and 
Joris Dudli on drums—provides a strong foundation for this exploration. Zig Zag 
Jazz Club is a fitting setting for the performance. Its intimate environment allows
the musicians to communicate directly with the audience while preserving the spontaneous
character of live jazz.

### Barba Dixie Band – Jazz in the Streets of Madrid

![Barba Dixie Band Live Café Central | Barba Dixie Band](https://images.openai.com/
static-rsc-4/TOllPKXK5ISgLK3V6o4T7E3-wjTFyEQ8fR4SpwJ8VYBP-ekZ296tE6uMjBNZb2u00NBWYECEuYhR6OyOUHfbYTIhKUMnveC-
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_**Fernán Gómez Centro Cultural de la Villa to CentroCentro, Madrid, Spain!**_ One
of the most joyful and visually engaging elements of the festival is the street 
performance by the Barba Dixie Band.

Moving from the Fernán Gómez Centro Cultural de la Villa to CentroCentro, the ensemble
transforms the streets of Madrid into a living celebration of early jazz.

This is a particularly important artistic concept because jazz has never belonged
exclusively to concert halls and clubs. Its history is also a history of streets,
public gatherings, dance halls, neighbourhood celebrations and spontaneous musical
encounters.

The Barba Dixie Band embraces this tradition, drawing inspiration from the brass-
band culture of New Orleans and the exuberant spirit of 1920s jam sessions. The 
ensemble features: Mario Siles – banjo, David Harrington – trumpet, Carlos Díaz –
clarinet, Víctor Correa – tuba, Andrés Freites – percussion.

The instrumentation immediately evokes the sound of traditional Dixieland jazz. 
The trumpet carries the principal melodic statements, while the clarinet introduces
flowing ornamental lines and counter-melodies. The banjo provides rhythmic propulsion,
the tuba anchors the harmonic structure and percussion adds the unmistakable pulse
of street jazz.

What makes this performance especially attractive is its relationship with the surrounding
city. The musicians move through Madrid’s streets, creating an atmosphere in which
pedestrians, visitors and jazz enthusiasts become part of the same musical experience.

There is no formal separation between stage and audience. The music moves freely,
encouraging people to stop, listen, smile, dance and celebrate. This is jazz in 
its most democratic and life-affirming form.

### Nate Smith – The Alchemy of Jazz, Soul and Hip-Hop

![První festivalový týden zakončil Nate Smith | Prague Sounds. The Festival.](https://
images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/HV4RqBKi5UhO5OZMKTZ3dZQ1W-BgwBiuHh8jSWFkJgY5XxQZb2zsvh__1WfC5pt59kWRuBYPuWKVMUH3rKvgvrI7ejSakJgCyxXRhkTT1WESjbvWNHa1Xxgi_miOuA3upcW0XxggCCTvD13Xuk-
vynlj9zMM8a1n8-8oYfHrQXd77wYuCFNf-AcVwPxLOEoc?purpose=fullsize)

_**Villanos del Jazz, Sala Villanos, Madrid, Spain!**_ The appearance of Nate Smith
at Villanos del Jazz represents one of the strongest expressions of contemporary
rhythmic creativity in the festival programme.

Smith is far more than a technically accomplished drummer. He is a composer, producer
and musical thinker whose work has helped redefine the possibilities of modern jazz
rhythm. His artistic philosophy is particularly interesting because he does not 
simply combine jazz, soul and hip-hop. He integrates their musical principles into
a coherent and highly individual language. His drumming is characterised by remarkable
rhythmic intelligence.

The placement of accents, the relationship between subdivisions, the use of silence
and the subtle displacement of rhythmic figures all contribute to a sound that is
simultaneously precise and spontaneous. His music can move between the sophistication
of jazz-fusion, the emotional warmth of soul and the rhythmic vocabulary of hip-
hop without ever feeling artificially assembled.

The KINFOLK projects have been especially important in establishing this artistic
identity. His broader musical career, including collaborations with Pat Metheny,
Dave Holland, Chris Potter, José James and other distinguished musicians, demonstrates
his extraordinary versatility.

The Madrid programme also highlights the importance of his 2026 live project. The
ensemble’s musical possibilities are particularly exciting, with keyboards, bass
and saxophone providing a flexible framework for Smith’s rhythmic imagination.

This is music in which the drums are not merely an accompaniment. They become a 
central compositional voice, shaping the direction, atmosphere and emotional character
of the entire performance. Villanos del Jazz is an ideal platform for this kind 
of contemporary artistic statement.

### Albert Vila Organ Quartet featuring Perico Sambeat – Groove, Soul and the Modern Jazz Organ

![Perico Sambeat](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/BwUh7ZTHm3QsE8jXjJpjtBsuIkrw6aYYujkETo6X-
2vn9nmaai9mV5CHuP0B9qvEH04OtqtDYBnJbjVpJnHivgXZ2x370AOYJ2Dbynjvb--W96y8txHi8--97vVp3PWMYZOnL3eEQMwaG0ZHwtJpFZpirUPDjdfFmv013FvLKqac1DCsVIBGmT6DxRGH88h6?
purpose=fullsize)

_**Jazz Círculo, Teatro Fernando de Rojas, Círculo de Bellas Artes, Madrid, Spain!**
_The Albert Vila Organ Quartet is a particularly exciting addition to the Madrid
programme because it explores one of jazz’s most enduring instrumental combinations
while introducing a contemporary compositional perspective.

Guitarist and composer Albert Vila has developed a reputation for technical sophistication,
harmonic imagination and an individual approach to modern jazz guitar. His music
frequently combines the structural sophistication of contemporary jazz with the 
rhythmic vitality of groove-oriented music.

For this project, he takes the classic jazz organ trio as his point of departure
and expands its possibilities through an original repertoire and the addition of
saxophone.

The presence of Perico Sambeat is particularly important. Sambeat is one of the 
most distinguished Spanish jazz saxophonists, with a musical language that combines
melodic sophistication, harmonic depth and extraordinary improvisational fluency.
His alto saxophone brings another dimension to Vila’s compositions, creating opportunities
for melodic exchanges, contrapuntal passages and extended improvisations.

The organ provides the harmonic foundation and characteristic warmth of the traditional
organ-jazz sound. Its sustained chords, bass-register possibilities and distinctive
tonal colours create an exceptionally rich musical environment.

The guitar adds rhythmic definition, harmonic flexibility and melodic freedom, while
the drums establish the powerful groove that gives this music its physical energy.
The programme’s emphasis on original compositions is especially significant. Rather
than reproducing the familiar vocabulary of classic organ jazz, Vila uses its rhythmic
and tonal characteristics as a starting point for contemporary musical exploration.

The result is a synthesis of jazz, soul and blues that is both sophisticated and
immediately engaging. The Teatro Fernando de Rojas, within the distinguished Círculo
de Bellas Artes, provides an appropriate cultural setting for this performance. 
This is a concert that celebrates the enduring appeal of groove while demonstrating
how much new musical territory remains to be explored.

## Olivia Pievas – The Vision and Leadership Behind the EU Jazz & Blues Festival

### Olivia Pievas – A Passionate Ambassador of European Jazz and Blues

Behind a successful international music festival there is always a guiding vision:
someone who understands not only the importance of bringing artists together, but
also the cultural responsibility of creating an environment in which music can flourish,
audiences can discover new artistic experiences and musicians can communicate with
people across national and cultural boundaries.

![](https://i0.wp.com/jazzblues.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Olivia-Peevas-JazzBlues.
EU_-e1793819746792.jpg?resize=640%2C429&ssl=1)

For the 2026 Autumn–Winter Jazz – Blues Season, this important responsibility belongs
to **Olivia Pievas**, Director and Organizer of the EU Jazz & Blues Festival. Her
role deserves particular recognition because the festival’s programme represents
an ambitious undertaking: connecting cities, countries, musical traditions and generations
through a common artistic language.

**Olivia Pievas**‘s festival vision is reflected in the breadth and diversity of
the programme. It is a vision that recognises jazz and blues as essential elements
of European cultural life, while also acknowledging their international origins 
and their continuing development through musicians from every part of the world.

The festival does not limit itself to familiar names or established musical formulas.
Instead, it creates opportunities for audiences to encounter legendary performers,
internationally respected composers, innovative instrumentalists and exciting younger
ensembles.

The presence of Take 6, Joe Bonamassa, Theo Croker, Nils Petter Molvær, Delfeayo
Marsalis, Nate Smith and numerous other distinguished musicians demonstrates the
importance of artistic diversity in the festival’s philosophy.

Equally important is the attention given to European artists and the distinctive
musical communities they represent. From the Estonian blues tradition of Andres 
Roots to the contemporary German jazz language of the Moses Yoofee Trio, from Albert
Vila’s modern organ-jazz project to the Latin musical personalities of Marialy Pacheco
and Maite Hontelé, the programme creates a genuine international conversation.

This is one of the most valuable characteristics of **Olivia Pievas**‘s festival
concept: the understanding that European jazz culture is not a single sound or tradition,
but a meeting place for many different musical identities.

![](https://i0.wp.com/jazzblues.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cropped-Europe-Jazz-
Blues-Festivals-e1722000968346-1024x362.jpg?resize=640%2C226&ssl=1)

### Building bridges between countries and cultures

The geographical dimension of the Autumn–Winter season is especially impressive.
Paris, Vienna, Milan, Toulouse, Bremen, Hamburg, London, Berlin, Vitrolles, Rankweil
and Madrid become interconnected through music.

Each city contributes its own cultural character. Paris offers its distinctive combination
of artistic sophistication and cosmopolitan musical life. Vienna brings the historical
depth of its jazz institutions. Berlin represents experimentation and contemporary
creative energy. London contributes its extraordinary jazz heritage, while Madrid
introduces a vibrant mixture of traditional street jazz and modern international
performances.

These cities are not simply locations on a festival itinerary. They become different
chapters of a shared European cultural experience. **Olivia Peevas**‘s organisational
vision places particular emphasis on the importance of these connections.

![Billets Joe Bonamassa à Toulouse (Zenith Toulouse) du 06 novembre 2026 - Infos
et prix des places de concert](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/LfqG7emoLSeVWUTvR7naYUEdLcKRacj7BY4JcASCtxpOb3MvsMcVY1QYk19CB5tT6k_9gcDj6zJ814pOmVrCOpACsMUrLbDkQMn5I7BsgpLKKfI688C8KHMplHXFGox6ulajqIZzH3wkv_8eUnnXFt9rbCyNPkoKar5vb8EzQaj4n1lR-
Zpuz57XYEPOR_GY?purpose=fullsize)

### Supporting established artists and discovering new musical voices

A significant strength of the festival is its ability to combine international recognition
with artistic discovery. The appearance of established masters gives audiences the
opportunity to experience musicians whose contributions have shaped the history 
of jazz and blues.

At the same time, the inclusion of artists such as Moses Yoofee, Theo Croker and
Nate Smith demonstrates an awareness of the future. These musicians are not merely
continuing established traditions. They are creating new musical languages, incorporating
contemporary rhythms, electronic sound, hip-hop, soul and experimental composition
into the broader vocabulary of jazz. This balance between heritage and innovation
is essential for any ambitious cultural institution.

### The human dimension of festival organisation

A festival is ultimately about people. It is about the musicians who travel between
cities, the audiences who gather in concert halls, the cultural institutions that
welcome international artists and the countless organisational decisions that make
artistic encounters possible.

![15 questions | Interview | Moses Yoofee Trio | "Ego is not about being the best.
It just gives me a lot of self-awareness and self-confidence to be able to express
myself."](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/FFh7Am7wZQo3lpETdgKFRUuoa6VgFNfpRwCybOAh_DGmtnouPfKSKQTl3g3zcljozwqBBlI7pYUdF9vWBRd7inGipEd34gr8CQjV_dHSciYqU87VZb9UelyG2bCp0Ikngtq3EmUOqMMTHGwhtmteVFgPN6o5efup1FoAckveYt1Z3NpwRGRfcmMmEB9rDXDn?
purpose=fullsize)

**Olivia Pievas’**s work as director and organiser deserves recognition for bringing
these elements together within one coherent seasonal concept. The Autumn–Winter 
Jazz – Blues Season demonstrates an appreciation of musical excellence, an enthusiasm
for international cooperation and a belief in the importance of live performance.

It also reflects a commitment to presenting music in different environments: prestigious
concert halls, historic jazz clubs, intimate venues and public spaces. The Barba
Dixie Band’s journey through Madrid is a particularly beautiful example of this 
philosophy, bringing music beyond conventional concert boundaries and directly into
the life of the city.

### A festival vision for the future

The greatest achievement of a music festival is not simply the number of concerts
it presents. It is the cultural atmosphere it creates and the memories it leaves
behind. A successful festival encourages audiences to explore unfamiliar musical
territories, gives artists opportunities to share their creativity and strengthens
the relationship between music and the communities in which it is performed.

![Albert Vila Trio feat. Doug Weiss & Rudy Royston — Zig Zag Jazz Club Berlin](https://
images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/Jkw4MuUccT7-BfVpwClk6MRVEBGkAv1H1GN0m8_O0uVy7gDPwC5oeatOSnRBkXyTb-
00NyoV6EKYGuC3FH122N4f98Wfj4ZiPwdc3ry8GVPn8Okr4ezqIR5tlexFRy97IeApitPJuxB0bJM4VTRAPXSgdupkbVcd5cXRbbreie59vC9AuepxbPxCOTlaK_l8?
purpose=fullsize)

**Olivia Pievas**‘s leadership of the 2026 EU Jazz & Blues Festival represents an
ambitious contribution to this European cultural landscape. Her work deserves sincere
appreciation for the breadth of the artistic programme, the international character
of the season and the importance placed on musical quality.

The EU Jazz & Blues Festival is not simply presenting concerts across Europe. It
is promoting a cultural idea: that music can unite cities, generations and nations
without losing the individuality of each artistic voice. And this is perhaps the
most meaningful achievement of the Autumn–Winter Jazz – Blues Season.

My congratulations and warmest appreciation to **Olivia Pievas** for her dedication,
artistic vision and commitment to the continuing celebration of jazz and blues in
Europe. May this festival continue to grow, discover new artistic horizons and become
an increasingly important meeting place for musicians and audiences from across 
the world.

![Eric Alexander](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/ZnvkmfFWM_iJSsyE2xkXysdrkBeSW_VsLHwPiZ3UA7rRiumMdRkdwlWrAXOdTnMI9WwFaprarMeHLCUlVa8cqyudsAqwiYgEaMjEPKxfALiYW2oU_gUF1kV1qlE2prxEC_ym2b8MyMB-
lon2X-Sthqh7HZDN3j53HdjzKSxlII4PzYXt86xQXd4GYQrZykcJ?purpose=fullsize)

## Final festival reflection

The 2026 autumn-winter jazz and blues season demonstrates just how diverse the world
of European jazz and blues has become. From the exquisite vocal harmonies of “Take
6” to the experimental musical architecture of David Binney and Louis Cole; from
the rhythmic imagination of Nate Smith to the expressive trumpet of Theo Croker;
and from the Scandinavian sound of Molvær and “Rymden” to the deep-rooted blues-
rock of Joe Bonamassa and Aynsley Lister—this program encompasses an exceptionally
broad spectrum of artistic experiences.

It also serves as a reminder that jazz and blues are not separate from Europe’s 
cultural life. They form an integral part of contemporary European identity, continuously
enriched by international exchanges and the creative energy of new generations. 
Behind this expansive artistic journey stands festival director and organizer **
Olivia Pievass**, whose vision brings together musicians, concert venues, cities,
and audiences—making this season a reality.

Jazz knows no borders. The Blues recognizes no language barriers. Music possesses
a remarkable capacity to bring all of Europe closer together. And all of this awaits
you right here—at the EU Jazz and Blues Festival 2026, during the Autumn-Winter 
Jazz & Blues Season.

**By Olivia Lombard, Lauren Wulff, Katriun Woods, Daniella Bushler**

![EFG London Jazz Festival 2023 round-up review - vital sparks crossing and uniting
generations | The Arts Desk](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/rubwugak7y2q6YEh-
BkfWv8aanu_yK0vCsuj3V4aIUJAiQvvBDnR_mLl31PEzE36cASIggPe1R9_iug4B9MUwa07dzKt6Wo7tbKN2f_DDcHWYdwDQJMTeJEemQFvShfT9R9nDF9VZQiPAk3q4Cr2pRKgpLJlFX7JeR6kULS9nSKtIqZK17sLgTCVVkTeqFbx?
purpose=fullsize)

### _Related_