Lurium Wins Getxo Jazz Prize
The French sextet Lurium took home the top award at the 49th Getxo International Jazz Festival. Their victory earned them a cash prize of 4,500 euros, the chance to record a live CD, and a special invitation to perform at the upcoming Eivissa Jazz festival as part of the festival’s prize package.
What the Win Means
- Financial support: 4,500 euros helps the group fund new projects, travel, and recording costs.
- Live CD: Recording a live album gives listeners a permanent snapshot of their sound and can boost their visibility.
- Festival slot: Playing at Eivissa Jazz puts Lurium on a respected stage alongside other acclaimed jazz acts.
Band Members and Style
Lurium is a contemporary jazz sextet that blends modern jazz language with current musical trends. The lineup includes:
- Víctor Maisonneuve – alto sax
- Óscar Viret – trumpet
- Loan Buathier – guitar
- Cyril Drapé – double bass
- Tamino Edener – drums
- Levi Harvey – piano
Their original compositions are described as creating “an aesthetic where organic rhythms, chiseled harmonies and cinematic soundscapes come together.” Pianist Levi Harvey also earned the Best Soloist award, worth 950 euros, highlighting his standout improvisational skills.
Eivissa Jazz Festival Appearance
As part of their Getxo prize, Lurium will perform at the Eivissa Jazz festival this year. The group is scheduled to play Sunday at 9 p.m. in Muxikebarri, right before the American saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins takes the stage. This appearance offers the sextet a chance to reach a new audience and showcase their distinctive sound on an international platform.
Other Notable Awards
Christopher Pérez Quartet
The second-place prize of 1,900 euros went to the Christopher Pérez Quartet, a ensemble featuring musicians from Lanzarote, Madrid, and Murcia. The quartet aims to “offer an amalgamation of sounds and styles,” mixing vibrant jazz rhythms with the cultural influences of each member’s hometown.
- Christopher Pérez – sax
- Guillaume Coulbois – piano
- David Muñoz – double bass
- Daniel Pimienta – drums
The group previously won Spain’s National Musical Youth Competition in 2024, underscoring their rising reputation in the jazz scene.
Conclusion
Lurium’s triumph at Getxo International Jazz Festival not only brings financial rewards and a recording opportunity but also secures them a coveted spot at the Eivissa Jazz festival. Their fresh take on contemporary jazz, highlighted by pianist Levi Harvey’s soloist accolade, promises an exciting performance for fans. Meanwhile, the Christopher Pérez Quartet’s second-place finish shows the vibrant diversity of talent emerging across Spain’s jazz community. Both groups exemplify the innovative spirit that keeps modern jazz evolving and engaging for new generations.
Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es