Blues from all four sides

Finally, BluesCazorla's XXV Edition was launched. He did it with more blues than ever before, and without any nods or references to national rock. This was something that had become a tradition at the start of previous editions. 091, Andres Kalamaro Loquillo and Tequila served as hooks for their fans in the past years to draw them to the Cruzcampo Stage on Thursday night. The question was still open as to whether the Coso Cazorla would experience a smaller audience on this occasion.

It's not much more. This is the blues. It has taken root so well in this land, that the bullring was full to the brim with people who were eligible for various national and international glories. Among them, Maceo Parker and his Caledonia Blues Band. Parker's band was enough reason to attend the BluesCazorla. They introduced these, as well as jazz and funki, making it a memorable night. The career of the 75-year-old saxophonist is one that few can claim. He worked with Ray Charles and James Brown in the 1960s, as well as Prince at the start of the 21st century, and with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers today. To move to his "Pass the peas" or the "Make it funky" rhythms, you had to be made from stone. The other musicians of the band could also be heard if Maceo Parker's three-dimensional music arose from his sax. Amazing trombone and bass playing, as well as the vocals of the chorus girl who was much appreciated by the enthusiastic crowd.

Caledonia Blues Band is a well-known band. It was no accident that she was featured on the poster for the first BluesCazorla edition in 1994. She was present at the festival's birth and her attendance at the 25th Anniversary coincides perfectly with the band's 30th year. These circumstances forced Caledonia and the organizers of the festival to include Caledonia in the poster.

Extraordinary atmosphere on Santa Maria square / JOSELUIS GONZALEZ

It has rained ever since 1989 when Mike Lindler and Lolo Ortega, Mingo Balaguer and Paco Martinez gave birth to the legendary 'Just rhythm and Blues'. This was the beginning of the national blues movement. They also disintegrated in 1998. However, Cazorla, with the Cruzcampo Stage full to the brim, has had the pleasure of feeling them again, and never in better harmony.

He opened the John Primer Festival, and made two consecutive appearances at BluesCazorla. It is hard to believe that one year has passed. It was hard to believe that a year has passed since he appeared on stage with his guitar. Watermelon Slim ended the night with a wild tour of the stage, complete with harmonica and stoppage only for his guitar and slide.

This edition of BluesCazorla had been presented in the Balcon de Zabaleta before, in the late afternoon. A beautiful setting gave prominence to a simple and popular act. Antonio Jose Rodriguez, the mayor of Cazorla was present as well as the deputy delegate of Government Catalina Madueno, the provincial deputy Pilar Paarra, the Councilor for Culture Nuria Serrano, and Carlos Espinosa, the festival director.

Marcos Coll, a harmonica player, was also able to give a taste of his children's workshop at the Teatro de la Merced –Hohner Stage-. A small group of harmonica players led him through the crowd, playing simple chords and eliciting tender applause.