Last weekend, The Jazz Point Ibiza Festival made a triumphant return to the white island for its fifth edition, accompanied by some exceptional jazz performances. A few lucky members of the Spotlight team were fortunate to visit three of the performances.
After a fantastic outdoor opening party Jam Session at WOM Radio Café in Santa Eulalia, led by local star Andrés Coll, the first gig, on Thursday night, was held at the elegant rooftop bar of The Standard Hotel, located in the heart of Ibiza Town. The bar's view of Dalt Vila set the perfect stage for a soulful performance by Mozambique artist Albino Mbie, accompanied by bass player Santi Debriano.
Together, they forged a unique fusion rooted in African blues. Mbie’s intimate vocal style resonated with the audience, as he built a warm connection that felt both personal and profound. The setting's purple lights added to the peaceful ambience, enhancing the overall vibe. Despite having met only that morning, the duo’s harmony was flawless, leaving the audience in awe. As the concert progressed, the crowd joined in, chanting "Mama Africa" in a moment of shared musical connection.
Saturday afternoon saw the festival move to El Parco Ibiza, the boho campsite in the resort of San Antonio. In this super-friendly setting, an enthusiastic public enjoyed drinks and snacks around the pool for an intimate afternoon session of great music and vibes. The Jazz was once again from the gifted Albino Mbie and his international sextet. His gentle voice, glittering solos and the group’s groovy rhythms were appreciated by everyone.
On Saturday night the festival returned to Teatro Ibiza for an electrifying performance by festival favourites, the Rob Luft Quintet. Known for his multi-talented approach, guitarist Rob Luft led his band in a display of complex, creative compositions, tackling revisited covers with their distinct style. The performance evolved into a sextet with the addition of keyboards, offering a mix of psychedelic, innovative sounds that set them apart from traditional jazz.
The xylophone’s syncopated rhythms and acute sounds stood out in the first few tracks, while each member of the band revelled in their moment to shine. The seamless transitions from guitar to saxophone to keyboards created a hypnotic soundscape, transporting the audience into a vivid, emotional journey. The performance, described as the "Pink Floyd of jazz," was both intense and melodic, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.
As ever, the festival lived up to expectations, showing that Ibiza remains a hotspot on the national stage for lovers of the art form. With such unique and captivating performances, this latest edition has served to further establish its claim to being a genuine highlight in Ibiza’s cultural calendar.
