From 26 February to 1st March, Fuengirola is transformed into a jazz lovers’ paradise with the celebrations of the 22nd Malaga International Jazz and Modern Music Seminar. This event will bring international musicians from Spain, the Netherlands and USA together to perform Avant-garde, cool-jazz, post-bob, and traditional music.

The high attendance of last year will see this edition divided into two sections, one for the seminar participants and one for the free concerts. The seminar features workshops, masterclasses and other training programmes attended students from various countries.

The workshops are designed to be dynamic spaces of learning and creativity. The workshops are based on a practical approach, where participants adapt their morning work to technical, interpretive or creative aspects.

The concerts and activities will be held in various locations in the town, including the Speakeasy Jazz Club, Plaza Reyes Católicos and the Casa de Cultura, while the Hotel Las Palmeras will host nightly jam sessions from 11.30pm.

The schedule includes a performance by American multi-instrumentalist Walt Weiskopf, who has played with numerous established figures, including Frank Sinatra and the popular jazz-rock band Steely Dan. Weiskopf was born in Georgia, in 1959. He began his career at age 21 in New York, playing with legendary drummer Buddy Rich’s Big Band. Since then, he has released 16 albums as a leader and numerous credits as sideman.

Rob van Bavel, the Dutch pianist, composer and award-winning musician, will perform his bebop, contemporary and fusion jazz at this festival. He has toured extensively in North America, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Rob van Bavel has received several awards including the second prize in the Washington D.C. Thelonious Monk Jazz Piano Competition, the first prize in Germany’s soloist awards and the Dutch Grammy for his CD Rob van Bavel trio.

Bavel has played with his own orchestras, trios, and sextets, as well accompanying jazz stars such as Rita Reys.

Johnathan Blake is the son of jazz violinist John Blake Jr., who died in 2003. Blake, considered to be one of the most accomplished drummers of his generation has shown himself as a complete and multi-faceted musician. Blake, 50, began playing the drums when he was ten years old, and has performed with many jazz musicians.

Martijn Van Iterson, a Dutch jazz guitar player, composer, and teacher, is also a well-established musician. He is regarded by many as one of the best jazz guitarists in The Netherlands.

www.malagaworkshopjazz.com/