Nils Landgren's Funk Unit Ignites 42nd Andorra Jazz Festival Opener

Swedish trombonist and singer Nils Landgren launched the 42nd Andorra Jazz Festival on Thursday night at Prat del Roure in Escaldes-Engordany, delivering an explosive Funk Unit performance that filled 74% of available seats—512 tickets sold for the opener—with the full festival averaging similar occupancy so far.

Consul Rosa Gili opened the evening by calling it the start of a week of top-level music. Culture councillor Valentí Closa noted pre-concert expectations fell short of a sellout, but turnout exceeded forecasts. Landgren greeted the crowd with a cheerful "Hola, bon dia!" in limited Catalan, explaining he plays the trombone—"the red trombone" that has defined his 30-plus-year career as "the man with the red horn." He apologised for not speaking Catalan fluently, insisting music breaks down barriers as a universal language.

The set kicked off with "Unbreakable," a 2017 track marking the band's 25th anniversary, earning immediate applause. Landgren introduced his lineup: bassist and vocalist Magnum Coltrane Price in his signature orange outfit stage right; guitarist and vocalist Andy Pfeiler; saxophonist Jonas Wall, who impressed from the first song; keyboardist Petter Bergander; and drummer Robert Mehmet Ikiz. The ensemble's tight interplay shone through solos and group dynamics, with each musician earning ovations.

Blending jazz, funk, rock, soul and pop, the concert built momentum. Highlights included "Stars in Your Eyes," recorded in a Palma de Mallorca studio where Landgren recalled daytime sessions followed by nighttime partying; the 30th-anniversary pair "Funky Feet" and Ikiz's instrumental "Raspberry Jam," mixing energetic and organic sounds; "Fonk da World" from 2001; and a participatory "Doin' It for the People," where the audience split into three groups for backing vocals. Landgren praised: "Andorra, you are great!" At 70, he jumped and pointed skyward, infecting the crowd with energy.

The finale erupted with "House Party"—originally by James Brown collaborator Fred Wesley, featuring Ray Parker Jr., Ida Sand and Magnum Coltrane Price on its Stockholm recording—and "Ain't Nobody." Long-time funk fans departed buzzing, while jazz traditionalists embraced the fresh fusion. Paquito D'Rivera headlines Saturday at 9pm, nearing 85% capacity.