Madrid Weekend Guide: Funk and Jazz

Live Music — By on February 17, 2010 7:41 pm

How about a funky weekend? We’ve looked into Madrid’s overzealous list of bars, cafes, clubs (even raggedy taverns) to pick out three fresh slices of funky jazz for the week’s three busiest nights—all taking place around the city center!

Start the weekend on Thursday the 18th at El Despertar with the excellent guitarist Nacho Perez and his group. The band’s style leans more towards the jazzy than the funky and 3 euros is a small price to pay to watch these musicians. They are obviously influenced by household names like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans, and emulate their smooth sound while mixing in upbeat tunes. Like the music, the bar itself emulates the jazzy atmosphere of the forty’s and fifties—not a bad place to have good music, cold beer and a cigarette at hand (the show begins as 21 p.m.).

Now it’s time for more funk and less Monk, and El Junco is just the place for those keen on buoyant music and excessive drinking. A place usually dedicated to jazz and blues, El Junco always prioritizes music so that when no jam sessions are around a well versed DJ is sure to be present.  On this occasion the band Watch Out will be playing away to a jumping crowd and spitting out funk music using elements from jazz, rock, ska and even soul. The live music starts at 23 p.m. and the cover charge is 6 euros.

Ah, yes, Saturday night. Tomorrow’s the time for resting, catching up on work, regretting those things you said the nights before—but until then, flock to Café La Palma for another dose of great live and funky music! Las Hermanas Sister will be offering up their own brand of funk and alternative music, featuring the lovely voice of Anita Rowe. The café is not too shabby at all, offering an extensive bar and just the right lighting for putting on lively music shows. This show begins at 22 p.m. with a 9 euro entrance.

By Daniel Sznajderman

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