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Date Published: 02/07/2023

Mamas Gun bring British soul to San Javier Jazz

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A swing in style for the second night of San Javier

The styles of pianist Alfredo Rodriguez and the Brit soul of Mamas Gun are about as far apart as it is possible for a festival programmer to achieve in a single night of entertainment and the audience on the second night of San Javier 2023 moved from pounding Cuban melodies to Brit soul in seconds as the stagehands moved in to reset the stage for the second act.

The talent of vocalist Andy Platts is undeniable and every piece flowed smoothly into the next with comfortable, rhythmic melodies.

Mamas Gun bring British soul to San Javier Jazz

Yet somehow there was a disconnection with the audience, the band set far back on the stage creating a large blank void which could never be crossed between those providing the entertainment and those seeking it, the trademark hat worn by the vocalist both shading and shielding his face, adding to the lack of connection.

Mamas Gun bring British soul to San Javier Jazz

At times, his stunning vocals were drowned-out by heavy guitars, stodgy drumming and keyboards which made the rest of the group sound flat on occasions; a great shame as the promise of the group on video failed to shine in the live performance.

As it was, a highly vocal contingent of fans enthusiastically welcomed every number but failed to persuade some of those who had come to see the first set, to stay for the duration of the second.

Mamas Gun bring British soul to San Javier Jazz

However, with five albums under their belt, the group continues to gain new fans in Europe, the USA and Japan.

Click for programme: San Javier Jazz 2023

San Javier Jazz Festival 2024

Friday June 28: Adrian Cunningham and His Old School, a free concert at 22.00 in the Plaza de España in San Javier. Click here for further information.

San Javier Jazz Festival 2024 Saturday June 29: A double bill as Anna Luna presents “Argentina besa el Mediterráneo” and Roberto Fonseca presents “La Gran Diversión” at the Auditorio Municipal in Parque Almansa. Starts 21.30, tickets 20 euros. Click here for further information.

Wednesday July 3: The Bill Charlap Trío at the Teatro Nuevo de invierno in Parque Almansa. Starts at 22.00, tickets 15 euros. Click here for further information.

San Javier Jazz Festival 2024 Friday July 5: Another double bill as Roberto Carlos Valdés “Cucurucho” and Javier Colina, along with special guest Alana Sinkëy, present a tribute to Bebo Valdés. They are followed on stage at the Auditorio Municipal in Parque Almansa by Steffen Morrison. Starts 21.30, tickets 20 euros. Click here for further information.

San Javier Jazz Festival 2024 Saturday, July 6: Gregory Porter at the Auditorio Municipal in Parque Almansa at 22.00. Tickets 60 euros. Click here for further information.

Thursday July 11: Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin "Brasil" World Tour, with special guests Ivan Lins and Grégoire Maret, at the Auditorio Municipal in Parque Almansa. Starts 22.00, tickets 20 euros. Click here for further information.

Friday July 12: Calexico at the Auditorio Municipal in Parque Almansa. Starts 22.00, tickets 20 euros. Click here for further information.

Saturday July 13: A double bill at the Auditorio Municipal in Parque Almansa, starting with the Joan Mar Sauqué Quinteto featuring Champian Fulton and continuing with Russell Malone & Cyrus Chestnut Quartet with special guest Ekep Nkwelle. Starts 21.30, tickets 20 euros. Click here for further information.

Sunday July 14: A free concert at 22.00 by Carole Alston at the Puerto Tomás Maestre in La Manga del Mar Menor. Click here for further information.

San Javier Jazz Festival 2024 Wednesday July 17: Another free event at 22.00 featuring the Steam Brass Band on Explanada Barnuevo in Santiago de la Ribera. Click here for further information.

San Javier Jazz Festival 2024 Friday July 19: Cimafunk live in concert at the Auditorio Municipal in Parque Almansa. Starts 22.00, tickets 20 euros. Click here for further information.

Saturday July 20: The final double bill of the festival at the Auditorio Municipal in Parque Almansa featuring José Luis Jaén and a tribute to Paco de Lucía with Niño Josele & Antonio Serrano. Starts 21.30, tickets 20 euros. Click here for further information.

San Javier Jazz Festival 2024 Monday July 22: The closing concert is given by the great Diana Krall at the Auditorio Municipal in Parque Almansa, starting at 22.00. Tickets 60 euros. Click here for further information.