Django Latino // Antonio Cuadros De Bejar & Latin Affairs
Django Latino
The trio consisting of guitarists José Díaz de León and Sven Jungbeck, as well as Colombian bassist Juan Camilo Villa, brings fresh impulses to contemporary Gypsy Jazz. Characteristic of their playing is not only technical virtuosity and the energy of furious guitar solos but especially creativity, joy of playing, and a pronounced sense of musical openness.
Starting from the classical swing shaped by Django Reinhardt, the trio gently opens the style in new directions. Latin American rhythms such as Bossa Nova and Bolero form a foundation, along with Cuban, Colombian, Afro-Peruvian, and Mexican grooves. These influences are organically integrated into the music, giving the arrangements a fresh, contemporary sound – authentic, lively, and without stylistic breaks.
The repertoire ranges from newly interpreted classics of Gypsy Jazz to original compositions and pieces by Latin American music legends like Chucho Valdés. This creates music that respects tradition while courageously thinking ahead – a fusion that moves, invigorates, and connects musical worlds.
A great CD that does what is urgently needed: to expand Gypsy Jazz and connect it with other forms. The energy and virtuosity recall Flamenco – a great concert, a fantastic CD. — Kersten Knipp (Deutsche Welle / Deutschlandfunk)
José Díaz de León - Guitar
Bernd Marquart - Guitar
Christoph Dangelmaier - Bass
Antonio Cuadros De Bejar & Latin Affairs
The musical journey of Antonio Cuadros De Béjar began on the street. As a street musician in various European countries, he early on developed a direct, unfiltered relationship with the audience – an experience that continues to shape his music today. From this immediate practice, his path first led him to jazz and then consistently further to an open, Latin American-influenced jazz language, where rhythm, improvisation, and cultural identity come together organically.
In over 30 years of musical activity, Antonio Cuadros De Béjar has performed in numerous countries in Europe. His artistic work is characterized by movement, encounter, and continuous development. Composition plays a central role: his pieces arise from lived experience, from traveling, cultural exchange, and the intense interplay with various musicians.
With his band Latin Affairs, he connects jazz with diverse Latin American influences to create a vibrant, open sound language. The music thrives on groove and melodic clarity, on improvisational freedom and conscious listening within the ensemble. Instead of stylistic distinction, dialogue is at the forefront – between tradition and present, structure and spontaneity.
In addition to his work as a musician, Antonio Cuadros De Béjar is also the initiator and artistic director of the Latin Jazz Festival Stuttgart Mi Amor. This role expresses the same attitude that also shapes his music: creating spaces where cultural diversity, artistic depth, and social openness become tangible.
Antonio Cuadros De Béjar & Latin Affairs stand for music that tells stories, connects, and emerges in the moment.
Andi Maile - Saxophone
Joe Gallardo - Trombone
Antonio Cuadros De Béjar - Guitar
Christoph Dangelmaier - Bass
Daniel Messina - Drums
Miguel Llobell - Percussion
String Quartet
Hallo, ich bin Maya.
