Biel Ballester studied classical guitar at the prestigious Luthier School in Barcelona, Spain. There he spent two years under the instruction of teacher/concertist Alex Garrobé and four years with teacher/concertist Fernando Rodriguez. Complimenting his formal musical studies, Biel has also taken guitar master classes from respected musicians such as José Tomás, David Russell, Aniello Desiderio, Manuel Barrueco, Marco Socias, Hopckinson Smith and Jordi Savall (the last two specializing in Baroque music). Biel finished his curriculum at Barcelona's superior conservatorium in the year 2000. Subsequent demand for his awe-inspiring style and technique have enabled him to perform in several countries such as Spain, France, Holland and Germany including multiple appearances at Barcelona's International Jazz Festival, The International Jazz Festival of Terrassa, and the International Guitar Festival of Mallorca. Making waves on both sides of the Atlantic, two of Biel's tracks featured here were selected for inclusion on the Various Artists compilations, Django Festival Volumes 3 & 4, produced by Hot Club Records in Oslo, Norway, placing the Catalan guitarist in the company of international jazz stars such as Jimmy Rosenberg and Angelo Debarre among others. A young talent holding great promise, Biel Ballester is on the short list of possible artists slated to perform at several upcoming international Django Reinhardt Tribute Festivals including those in the United States. So be on the lookout for the Biel Ballester Trio performing in a city near you. [Refined Records]
So Peacefull
Composition by Biel Ballester
Biel Ballester Trio + Gustav on the far left, playing in the style of manouche also called the Hot Club de France Jazz. The European style created by Django Reinhardt was a mix between traditional Gipsy music and the French Musette and American swing music. These styles are mixed further by this ensemble with Bossanova and Rumba.
Some of the tunes are composed by the band.
Biel Ballester (guitar)
Gracian Pedro (guitar)
Leandro Hipaucha (bass)
Gustav Lundgren (guitar)
Swing 48
Stochelo Rosenberg & Biel Ballester Trio. Live at Portaferrada Jazz Festival (Catalonia/Spain)
When I Was A Boy as featured in the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona
