Juan de Diego: The last journey of the GREBALARIAK (strikers)

Trumpet player from Bilbao, Juan de Diego isaA restless artist and a benchmark in the jazz scene, his prolific career is documented by more than forty published albums and countless collaborations with numerous artists. He has been part of various formations, in addition to leading personal projects such as the Juan de Diego Trio, Freaky Trio, De Diego Brothers or Grebalariak. Besides his facet in the field of teaching, Juan de Diego has participated in several soundtracks and international festivals, collaborating with the contemporary dance company L’anònima Imperia, with whom he toured Europe.

A musical career marked by social commitment and a firm political stance are always present in his work. This is evident in projects such as 2016’s Uda labur hori Aquel corto verano, inspired by texts about the anarchist Buenaventura Durruti, and especially in his project called Grebalariak (The Strikers). It is a tribute to the Barcelona´s labour movements in the early 20th century, which laid the foundations for many of the advances in labour rights and social equality that are still relevant today.

Following the release of his self-titled debut album in 2021, the Basque trumpeter/musician returns to the path set by his predecessor with this remarkable Azken Uda (the last summer). Recorded at Sol de Sants Studios in Barcelona by Alberto Pérez on October 11 and 12, this work features Juan De Diego himself on trumpet and flugelhorn, alongside Toni Saigi on piano, Pere Loewe on double bass, and Ramon Prats on drums. The album highlights the undeniable beauty of Juan De Diego’s compositions as they navigate the realm of contemporary jazz—vivid and effervescent music with a subtle Be-Bop intentionality that reveals an organic, flexible, and vibrant character throughout its grooves.

Before the end of the year they will present the album live in the Basque Country: 20 Zorrozaurre, Bilbo, 21.30h, 21 Kult Parnasoa, Gernika, 13h, 21 La Atalaia del Gardoki, Sopela, 21h, 22 Albizabal, Amurrio, 13h, 22 Goierriko jazzaldia, Sugaar, Ordizia, 20h.

Juan De Diego, tr, Toni Saigi, p, Pere Loewe, b, Borja Barrueta, dr

A note between silences, the beauty of an instant, time intervals that inevitably slip away. Taking a breath, imagining new forms, reclaiming who we are and the purpose behind what we do. Returning to that invisible refuge in memory of one final moment, one last word, one last summer.

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