CARLES
BENAVENT
Carles Benavent is one of the essential figures in the evolution of flamenco jazz and one of the Spanish bassists with the greatest international projection within this hybrid musical territory. An electric bassist and composer, his career has been decisive in transforming the role of the bass in contemporary flamenco, incorporating techniques, timbres, and resources from jazz and modern music that radically expanded the language of the genre.
From the very beginning, Benavent was part of Paco de Lucía’s historic sextet, participating in a crucial period in which flamenco began to dialogue with new aesthetics. This experience deeply shaped his style, which combines a solid flamenco foundation with free, virtuosic, and highly expressive improvisation, making him an absolute reference for several generations of musicians.
MUSICAL
STYLE
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with leading figures from both jazz and flamenco, consolidating a personal language that is recognizable from the very first bars. His sound, especially on electric bass, is defined by a unique blend of flamenco pulse, melodic richness, and a highly personal phrasing style, capable of integrating compás into open improvisational structures with remarkable naturalness.
His music moves between respect for flamenco tradition and the creative freedom of jazz, generating a very appealing balance for diverse audiences. It is not a superficial fusion, but a deeply developed language that connects both traditions from within, offering a modern vision that has decisively influenced the evolution of the genre.
LIVE
PERFORMANCE
In live performance, Carles Benavent presents projects that can be adapted to different formats, ranging from trio or quartet to larger ensembles including percussion, flute, or vocals. His repertoire combines original compositions with highly personal versions of pieces from the flamenco and jazz traditions, always from a contemporary perspective that positions the electric bass as a fully fledged solo instrument.
The result is a dynamic show, with a strong improvisational component yet accessible to diverse audiences. The interaction among the musicians, the rhythmic energy, and the spontaneity of the live setting make each concert different, revealing the depth and creative freedom that characterize his musical approach.