Irati Bilbao

The primary instrument, the voice, Irati. The subtle breath that connects the soul with the sound and transforms it into art, without any intermediary. The magical thread that links the singer to the soul of the listener. The instrument that is within everybody’s reach, but only in a few does it blossom and reach the category of greatness.

Irati Bilbao, in addition to holding a degree in art history and cultural management, received her musical training at Musikene, a decisive factor in shaping her distinct career as a jazz musician. Alongside her clear stylistic vocation, Irati has been a part of projects such as Ahots argiak abesbatza choir and Swintronix band, and has collaborated with other projects like Ekuru, Reunion Big Band, Sarrabete, and The Jazzbana Ensemble. A trajectory that has given rise to her personal project and the release of a magnificent debut album titled Begin in 2020, becoming as one of the most important and promising figures in the jazz scene in recent times.

After a four-year wait, Irati Bilbao presents Bloom, surpassing the expectations set by her previous work. It features Mikel Núñez (piano), Fran Serrano (double bass), Aitor Bravo (drums), and a brass section: Álvaro Zarzuela (trombone and brass arrangements), Xabier Arriola (flugelhorn and trumpet), and Haizea Martiartu (saxophone). An outstanding top musician’s lineup that provides a new dimension in terms of production and sound.

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Mikel Eceiza at Mecca Recording Studio in Oiartzun (Gipuzkoa), Bloom shows soprano’s vocal abilities and highlights her writing skills, a rare quality among great singers. Bloom is the evolution of an artist who masterfully crosses classical jazz territory to incorporate other elements and influences. Songs written by Irati herself, such as The Tree or Bloom, move through contemporary jazz to brilliantly complement classics such as I fall in love too easily and dazzle us with ¿Hacia dónde? a bolero written by Marta Valdés. Delicate and subtle, Irati creates Intimate to delight us with improvisation through a rendition of the standard Devil May Care, performed by a vibrant ensemble rich in colors and textures. Eclectic and versatile, the band explores Places, another original by Irati Bilbao, before concluding with Mendian gora, a piece originally composed by singer-songwriter Imanol Larzabal and writer-poet Xabier Amuriza.

Bloom is a record that will meet the expectations of any fan captivated by a figure like Irati Bilbao after her impressive debut. Classic jazz and original compositions, infused with equal parts of emotion and technique, come together to remind us that the subtle breath connecting soul and sound, transforming it into art, is reserved for a select few—the primal instrument, the voice of Irati Bilbao.