All systems are go at the Alicante County Council auditorium as Fijazz Festival 2023 prepares to light up the city. The event runs from Thursday through July 13 to July 29, delivering a robust program that brings together major international figures and acclaimed ensembles. The opening night spotlights a legendary bass icon featured in a tribute that honors a landmark album from 2021 scheduled for a celebratory reissue.
American bass legend Stanley Clarke opens the program with his quartet 4Ever and celebrates Clarke’s Return Forever, Romantic Warrior in a live setting. The following day, Friday July 14, Albert Sanz and Sedajazz present a new release featuring collaborations with diverse voices. The lineup includes singer songwriters Carles Denia and Maria Garcia, with evocative vocals from Sarah Dowling and Eva Romero, weaving multiple genres into a single night of world-class performance.
Further on, dedication II brings Moises Sanchez Quartet with Javier Vercher, Tono Miguel, and Borja Barrueta together for a fresh project debuting in Alicante on Sunday July 16. The concert promises a dynamic blend of jazz textures and contemporary soundscapes that highlight the artistry of each musician.
A roster of about a hundred performers from the Metropolitan Orchestra showcases the ensemble’s versatility as a Grammy Award-winning jazz and pop collective. The program includes a collaboration with singer Kandace Spring, while the guitar trio led by a renowned guitarist performs on Tuesday the 18th and Wednesday the 19th. Julian Lage, with a team including Jorge Rodér and Dave King, will present a new work on the ADDA stage, accompanied by a distinctive cadence in the arrangement titled chassis.
Pianist Eliane Elias appears as part of an evening focusing on Brazilian jazz inflections and elegant piano authority. INFORMATION
Singer and pianist Eliane Elijah, who recently earned Grammys for Best Latin Jazz Album and a 2022 Latin Grammy, presents a set that traces her return to Brazilian roots on Thursday, July 20.
Under the banner of without borders, Antonio Rey — winner of the Latin Grammy 2020 for Best Flamenco Album — brings a captivating guitar showcase to ADDA on Friday, July 21. The program also features Anne Carrasco, Manual, Thomas Potiron, and Pastas, with a special appearance by Camilla Faustino as the weekend unfolds. On Saturday the 22nd, the celebrated Brazilian singer Toquinho shares the stage with Mauro Martins and Edward Penz, joined by Camilla Faustino for an evening of intimate collaboration.
Musician Chick Corea is honored in a poignant homage to Fijazz during the festival. INFORMATION
Homage to Chick Corea
The festival closes with an extraordinary concert conducted by the chief conductor, Joseph Vincent, featuring guest artists in a Chick Corea Symphony Tribute. This performance celebrates the release of the album bearing the same name, produced through a partnership with Warner Music. The live recording from 2021 is brought to life with the participation of celebrated clarinetist Paquito D Rivera, who contributed to the Korean-inspired theme with his distinctive voice. Orchestral arrangements mark a signature moment, delivered by Emilio Plaice, and a voice and saxophone trio led by Antonio Lizana alongside Valencian trumpet player David Shepherd.