Javier Alcantara

Musician, guitarist, composer, improviser, teacher, music therapist, researcher, art director, and organizer of the Festival International de Jazz de Badajoz and Badejazz International Seminar.

Degree in Jazz Guitar Improvisation and the University of Évora

Master in Music Therapy from the University of Extremadura

Master in Neuropsychology & Education

He studied jazz and improvisation in Spain, Italy, New York, and Portugal.

Work in different formations jazz, bossa nova, improvised music, dance, theater, and poetry, both his name as a freelance musician.

Record and co-produced his first album with Quartet Special training in the album called “Namouche” collaborate renowned musicians as Perico Sambeat, Alexis Cuadrado and Hugo Alves, all original songs. Special Quartet was nominated in the category “Best Group / Artist” and in the category “Best Album” for Namouche in II Awards Gala in Extremadura Music Sonora held on May 23, 2009 at the Grand Theatre Cáceres.

In June 2014 released their second album, SHORT STORIES, and first as a leader. Short Stories contains eleven original tracks and the group is composed of Extremadura Narciso González (tenor and soprano saxophones) and the Portuguese Diogo Santos (piano, keyboards and melodica), André Ferreira (bass) and André Mota (drums), with musicians sharing different projects. André Fernandes, one of the most prominent jazz guitarists of Portugal intervenes as a guest on “Elf Light”

Perico Sambeat on Short Stories “I know Javier few years ago, is a sensitive and enthusiastic musician, responsible for much of the jazz happens in Extremadura, the land This album is a reflection of his talent. Beautiful music played by great musicians. “  

He has played, recorded and collaborated with musicians such as Arturo Serra, Celia Mur, André Fernandes, Ari Hoenig, Phil Abraham, Hugo Alves, Hugo Antunes, Mario Raja, Claudio Corvini, Marco Puffer, Alexis Cuadrado, Pedro Cortejosa, Perico Sambeat, Bruno Pedroso, Nelson Cascais, and Demian Cabaud in different projects.

He composes music for film, theater, and dance.

In music therapy operates working with people with autism spectrum disorders, caregivers, children, teachers, psychologists, etc ... giving sessions, workshops, courses, research, and giving lectures throughout Europe. Work on the introduction and application of music therapy in hospitals in Extremadura.

Training, Music and medicine, training at Beth Israel Medical Center and Roosevelt Hospital in New York City, NY at The Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine.

He is vice president of Extremadura Association of Music Therapists AEXMU.

Lectures and workshops on jazz, creativity, education, art, personal growth, and music therapy in Spain and Portugal.

Participate in festivals throughout Europe jazz, dance, and theater.

As a teacher working with children and adults for over 15 years in schools, universities, and music schools, and lecturing privately.

It is a founding member of the Association BADEJAZZ, responsible for the organization of the Festival International de Jazz de Badajoz and Badejazz International Seminar.

In cultural management directs, produces and organizes the Festival International de Jazz de Badajoz and Badejazz International Seminar for 12 years, and manages other concert series and various acts of cultural promotion. Show less