The Gramophone Allstars
By Charlotte Stace
Catalan big band, The Gramophone Allstars, blends Jamaican rhythms of the '60s - ska, rocksteady and reggae - with soul, jazz and a whole host of similar music styles. Based in Barcelona and led by saxophonist Genís Bou, the 16-piece group has become a cornerstone of the contemporary black music scene, releasing six acclaimed albums and performing over 150 concerts nationwide.
After forming in 2008, their transformation into a big band began with Jazzmaica (2014). Expanding into boogaloo and calypso with Maraca Soul (2017), they continued exploring dynamic sounds with The Reel Influence, Love Letter (2021) and their latest album Call Your Friends (2023).
Now marking their 10th anniversary as a big band, The Gramophone Allstars deliver an energetic live experience with soul-infused vocals, jazzy arrangements and Caribbean grooves. Celebrate with them at Sala Apolo this December. Tickets cost 18 Euros. Doors open at 8.30pm.