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The French Horn Jazz Project invites listeners into a multidimensional exploration where a beloved musical genre is expanded by the distinctive voice of the horn. It breaks from traditional boundaries and invites the music to speak with a lively, ever-shifting energy. In this collaboration, jazz is not just heard; it is experienced as a dialogue between styles and a fearless display of improvisational freedom. The project treats the horn as both a melodic partner and a colorist, weaving its timbres through jazz’s spontaneous conversation and giving the audience an immersive listening experience that feels fresh in every performance.

At its heart, the ensemble traces a journey through the evolving stages and aesthetic possibilities of the horn, while maintaining an open, responsive dialogue with jazz language and improvisation. The music grows from a shared exploration, where each breath and note asks a question and the other players respond with immediacy, shape-shifting textures, and an unspoken trust. This approach keeps the music vibrant, allowing the quartet or trio formats to bend and stretch without losing the core spirit of collective improvisation that defines jazz in its most dynamic form.

Starting from a strong quintet core, the French Horn Jazz Project embraces flexibility and creative breadth, enabling a flexible cast to present a unified artistic statement in various configurations. Whether performed as a quartet or a trio, the group sustains a cohesive identity that emphasizes the horn’s expressive range and the ensemble’s responsive ensemble chemistry. The arrangements are crafted to highlight the horn alongside voices from the wind family and the rhythm section, creating a lush tapestry that remains accessible to listeners while inviting deeper listening on repeat encounters.

Formation: Horn + Trumpet + Trombone

Piano + Double Bass + Drums

David Pastor stands out as a leading figure in the Spanish jazz scene, renowned as both a performer and educator. A prolific trumpeter, composer, and collaborator, he builds diverse projects that stretch across genres while keeping a strong voice as a leader. His experience spans recording studios, concert halls, and international stages, contributing to a broad spectrum of music projects that emphasize creativity and technical prowess. Pastor’s career is marked by a steady stream of compelling performances and a commitment to mentoring younger musicians, which has solidified his status as a trusted presence in contemporary jazz circles.

Since 2009, he has served as a permanent professor of trumpet at Taller de Músics de Barcelona, where he mentors aspiring players and shares practical wisdom about performance, pedagogy, and the art of improvisation. His teaching role complements a busy performing schedule, creating a platform where theory and practice intersect to nurture next-generation talent and keep the tradition of jazz education robust in the region.

Pastor has performed at major International Jazz Festivals around the world, showcasing his artistry to diverse audiences. Notable appearances include prestigious events in Montreal, Canada, and Montreux, Switzerland, where the festival atmosphere and high-level programming provide a fertile ground for artistic exchange. He has also graced Eurojazz and the Cancun International Music Festival in Mexico. In addition to these international stages, he has featured in key European venues and festival lineups across cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, further enriching his global footprint.

In the realm of collaboration, Pastor works with a broad roster of distinguished artists, expanding his musical conversations beyond a single genre. His partnerships include notable figures such as Miguel Poveda, Santiago Auserón, Sole Giménez, and Martirio, among others. These collaborations illustrate a versatile artist who crosses stylistic borders with ease, bringing a wide palette of influences to the horn-driven jazz projects and enriching the music with fresh perspectives and shared creative energy.