Versatility has always been at the heart of the Jazzkaar festival. No two artists sound alike, and no single style defines the program. Instead, the lineup is carefully crafted to delight every kind of jazz lover while constantly offering something unexpected and new. This spring in Tallinn, the celebration of sunlight arrived with a Spanish accent. The stage filled with the fiery pulse of flamenco, the soulful cry of the saxophone, and the graceful swirl of dance weaving through the music.
Antonio Lizana is a son of southern Spain, born in San Fernando, where the rhythms of flamenco are woven into the very DNA of the community. Surrounded by this rich musical heritage, he quickly grasped the boundless possibilities of sound – studying classical music while also diving deep into the world of jazz. Inspired by the world around him, Antonio Lizana began blending flamenco and jazz, weaving in Arabic influences, mastering the saxophone, and developing a powerful voice as a singer. Listening to him, it becomes almost impossible to decide which role defines him more: a saxophonist who sings, or a singer who plays saxophone.
Today, the saxophonist, flamenco vocalist, and composer tours internationally, performing on stages from New York City to Shanghai. His collaborations with Arturo O’Farrill and Alejandro Sanz have even earned Grammy recognition. At home, his dedication to celebrating Andalucían culture through music has brought him the Cádiz Joven Award for artistic impact.
This year, Jazzkaar audiences were treated to his modern, romantic fusion of flamenco and jazz. On stage, Lizana was joined by an outstanding ensemble: David Sancho on piano and keyboards, Arin Keshishi on bass, and Shayan Fathi on drums. The cherry on top was El Mawi, who filled the room with the passion of flamenco dance.
The concert opened with an explosion of emotion: Antonio Lizana delivering a deeply moving a cappella flamenco song, while El Mawi answered with passionate dance, as powerful as any bailaor on stage. Just two instruments, two sounds – the human voice and the rhythmic strike of dancing heels. After giving the audience a moment to sink into the atmosphere, the rest of the band joined in. What a way to begin a concert!
Antonio mentioned during the concert how happy he was to share an important part of his culture with the audience. Many people know about flamenco, but far fewer have experienced it live – and even fewer have heard it seamlessly blended with jazz. Would you imagine a flamenco song that suddenly unfolds into a soaring saxophone improvisation? Thanks to Lizana, now I easily can.
Lizana shared that this performance marked the closing concert of their tour – and you could truly feel it. The band gave everything to the audience, as if determined to end this chapter on the highest possible note. In perfect sync, they led the audience on a one-hour “express tour” through many shades of flamenco, from deeply emotional and melancholic to bright and joyful. Each moment was enriched by the expressive and passionate presence of El Mawi, who, in my personal opinion, could have shone even more with his dances.
The audience connected instantly, which came as no surprise. One gentleman kept shouting “olé!” throughout the concert, and the rest of the crowd eagerly joined in, clapping along to the rhythms. Originating from Andalucía, this expression is a traditional way of showing admiration during flamenco performances – and it must have felt perfectly at home in the room that night for Antonio Lizana.
To close the night, Antonio gave the audience a quick flamenco lesson. No challenge at all for the Estonian crowd, who had already enjoyed a full-on singing session with Jacob Collier in Tartu the year before. The audience happily joined in, performing a charming flamenco a cappella moment together with Lizana and his band. Antonio joked that we should stay more focused – but of course, it was all said with a smile.
A fantastic night filled with brilliant musicians and the rhythms of flamenco seamlessly woven together with traditional jazz on stage. An inspiring concert led by truly thoughtful artists. Thank you, Antonio Lizana, for widening the horizons of jazz and for reminding us just how powerful flamenco can be – whether heard or seen.
Photo: Aliis Kampus
Antonio Lizana Quintet (Spain)
26th of April 2026, Von Krahl
The band:
Antonio Lizana – saxophone, vocals
David Sancho – piano, keyboards
Arin Keshishi – bass
Shayan Fathi – drums
El Mawi – dance, background vocals