Rai Paz

Biography
Influencers

Graduated from the Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu, he furthered his education by attending various masterclasses and the Begues Jazz Camp seminars, where he has been a collaborator since the 2016 edition. In 2011, he traveled to New York, where he had the opportunity to study with Peter Bernstein, Michael Kanan, and Gilad Hekselmann.

In 2019, he made his debut as a bandleader with the album Rai Paz Quartet Plays Gypsy (by Jule Styne & Stephen Sondheim). Later, in 2022, he released two works with the Underpool label: Dedicatòria and Return | The Music of Sean Levitt. At the same time, he has been actively working in a duo with singer Elisenda Julià, with whom he released the album Love Will Be the Theme Song, awarded Best Jazz Album of the Year 2023 at the Enderrock-440 Awards by popular vote. He also collaborates with singer Isa Mirallas and is part of the Diana Palau Quartet.

As a sideman, he has recorded works such as D.O. Ensemble, The Next Generation by Víctor Correa, Christmas Time by Mayte Alguacil, Voces Veladas by María Esteban, and the collective album Underpool 3 from the Underpool label, among others. He has participated in projects such as Pol Omedes Tasty Time, Joan Mar Sauqué Quartet, Helena Camps Sings Anita O’Day, and a duo with saxophonist Oriol Fontclara. Additionally, he has worked with musicians such as Antonio Mesa, Victor Correa, Joan Mas, Félix Rossy, Marcel·lí Bayer, Albert Cirera, Mauro Battisti, DeeJay Foster, Guillem Arnedo, and Irene Reig.

Recognized for his versatility and sensitivity as an accompanist, he has collaborated with singers such as Carme Canela, Celeste Alías, Rita Payes or Eva Fernández, among others.

Throughout his career, he has performed in prestigious venues such as the Marians Jazzroom in Bern, Jamboree, Milano, the Jazz Cava in Terrassa, and Robadors 23, among others. He has also participated in renowned festivals such as the Voll Damm Jazz Festival of Barcelona, the Jazzing Festival of Sant Andreu, the Jazz Festival of Caldes d’Engordany, and the MPB Festival, among others.

As an arranger, he worked with the Big Band del Liceu on the recording of the album Wonder, a Tribute to Stevie Wonder.

Currently, he is a jazz guitar professor at the Conservatorio Superior de Música Manuel Castillo in Seville.