Tucked away in a small square behind Carrer de la Barca, a stone’s throw from the Onyar River, lies one of Girona’s most cherished cultural treasures. The prestigious American magazine DownBeat has recognised the intimate Sunset Jazz Club, a venue with a stone-vaulted ceiling and a capacity for just 50 people, as one of the world’s best jazz clubs.
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This accolade places the Girona institution in elite company, sharing the honour with iconic venues such as Barcelona’s legendary Jamboree Jazz Club. Indeed, for nearly 25 years, the Sunset has been a quiet cornerstone of the city’s cultural life. It is located in the historic Barri Vell, a district blending medieval architecture with a vibrant modern arts scene.
Anna Gisbert founded the club in 2001, at a time when Girona had few dedicated cultural facilities. Since 2011, Gisbert and her partner, musician and journalist Alix Levy, have managed it. This recognition from DownBeat, a publication often called the ‘bible of jazz’, confirms what dedicated fans and world-class musicians have known for years.
An Intimate Stage for Global Stars
The club’s unique appeal lies in its unparalleled intimacy. It has hosted an extraordinary roster of international talent, including luminaries like Chano Domínguez, Carles Benavent, Jorge Rossy, and Scott Hamilton. Upcoming performances feature British blues guitarist Chris Corcoran and Estonian pianist Britta Virves, underscoring its diverse and high-calibre programming.
“Very good musicians come who, if they performed in a theatre or auditorium, would fill the whole room, but here we are lucky to be able to hear them acoustically and have them right next to us,” Levy explained in a recent interview with Ara Cat.
“The jazz world is very small, we all know each other, and over the years, we have achieved a prestige that makes the best want to come here.”
This prestige is built on more than just acoustics. Musicians are drawn by the deeply respectful and knowledgeable audience, the owners’ hospitality, and the quality of the house instruments. Consequently, this has created a powerful word-of-mouth reputation that continuously attracts top-tier artists to its modest stage.
A Springboard for Local Talent
Beyond hosting international stars, the Sunset Jazz Club plays a vital role in nurturing Catalonia’s music scene. It regularly hosts book presentations, talks, and jam sessions, which have become a proving ground for a new generation of Catalan performers. Thus, it forms a key part of the region’s rich tapestry of live music and cultural events.
Levy is particularly proud of this aspect of the club’s mission. “Whether it’s Carles Benavent or a student who is just starting out, everyone has the same right to recognition and we feel the same pride,” he stated. “A few days ago, for example, the Barcelona Jazz Orquestra performed, and three of the musicians had started playing at the Sunset when they were young. That gives us a great deal of joy.”
Despite this success, Levy notes a common paradox: the club receives more attention abroad than at home. “When we send information here, they don’t pay much attention, but specialist media from abroad are very interested,” he explained. He hopes the recent accolade will encourage the city to better leverage the club’s potential, perhaps by collaborating on a larger jazz festival to reach a wider audience, similar to the major festivals that feature in any guide to Barcelona concerts.
The Heartbeat of a Community
The club’s resilience and strong community ties were highlighted during the pandemic. It was the first venue in Spain to host a concert after the national lockdown, albeit for just 20 people. This experience sparked the idea of a membership programme, which now boasts around 120 ‘socis’ (members) who pay monthly dues to support the venue and get priority access.
This loyal base has fostered its own creative initiatives, including the Sunset Jazz Orquestra, an 18-piece big band directed by the eminent Ramon Cardo. Professional guitarist Francesc Adroher, a member and regular performer, sees the club as essential to the city, which has seen other civic projects such as the reinforcement of the structure in Plaça de Catalunya.
“I think that in a city like Girona, having a club like this is a miracle,” Adroher said. “I have seen the best musicians in the world here, and for me, as for many local musicians, it has also been a key stage on which to develop as a performer.”
As it approaches its 25th anniversary, the Sunset Jazz Club’s international recognition is a testament not only to the quality of its music but to the enduring power of a small venue with a big heart, deeply rooted in its local community whilst celebrated on the world stage.
