This holiday weekend, a special treat. Instead of my usual post of WSJ links and rounds-ups, I have a wonderful surprise that I'll tell you about momentarily. We'll return to the usual weekend format next week. [Photo above of Joan Chamorro]
Nearly a month ago, Jordi Pujol, owner of Fresh Sound Records, shared with me eight videos he made when he saw Joan Chamorro and the Sant Andreu Jazz Band on June 11, 2024 at the Jamboree club, one of Barcelona's oldest jazz venues, dating back to 1960. The club closed in 1968 but opened again in 1992, during the Summer Olympics held in the city. It has remained active ever since. [Photo above of Barcelona's Jamboree jazz club]
Jordi said I could post them if Joan was fine with it. So I reached out to Joan and he was overjoyed. If you're unfamiliar with Joan, he's a jazz hero. Joan is a multi-instrumentalist and a composer, arranger and conductor in Barcelona. I first met him there when the U.S. State Department sent me over in 2013 to deliver a series of jazz talks during the Barcelona Jazz Festival.
Upon my arrival and hotel check-in, I was taken to hear Joan lead the Sant Andreu Jazz Band—young students who play magnificently, thanks to Joan's gift as a musician and teacher. To read my most recent post on Joan, go here. For my 2013 post, go here.
And now, Jordi's eight videos of Joan and the Sant Andreu Jazz Band:
Here's Sophisticated Lady...
Here's After You've Gone...
Here's My Melancholy Baby...
Here's In a Mellow Tone...
Here's What's New?...
Here's I Can't Give You Anything But Love...
Here's Bebop...
And here's Secret Love...
A special thanks to Jordi Pujol, Joan Chamorro and the entire Sant Andreu Jazz Band.