The Funk Commander: Vincen García at Udin&Jazz 2025

Funk bassist Vincen García brings virtuosic energy and infectious rhythm to Udin&Jazz 2025

Castello di Udine, July 19 2025

A warm Saturday evening at Castello di Udine turned fiery as Spanish bass phenomenon Vincen García took the stage at Udin&Jazz 2025. In just over an hour, García and his razor-sharp band delivered a high-voltage set of funk grooves, jaw-dropping solos, and irresistible showmanship that got the audience on their feet.

Opening with Impact: “Aprieta” Sets the Tone

The show opened with a playback intro featuring a pre-recorded MC announcement, while the band casually walked onstage to a laid-back hip-hop beat. After a brief line check, they launched into the funk-fusion fire of “Aprieta,” a track from García’s 2023 album Ventura. With an opening reminiscent of the Brecker Brothers’ “Some Skunk Funk,” the group immediately established a tight groove that never loosened.

García’s playing was electric — whether anchoring the pocket, firing off fills, or soaring through solos, the groove never left his fingertips. His stage presence was just as commanding, urging the audience to clap along during his bass solo, before seamlessly handing off to solos by Manuel Pardo and David Cases. Their trumpet-sax pairing provided a tight, expressive horn section that elevated each tune.

Deep Pockets and High Energy

The band followed up with “Berlin,” another track from Ventura. Though the groove floated more gently, the energy didn’t dip. Pardo’s octave-processed trumpet solo added textural depth, and García’s flawless time feel drove the music forward. After a slick bass solo closed the tune, García quipped, “It is hot!” — and he wasn’t just talking about the weather.

Next came a stripped-down slapping solo, with García backed only by audience claps. He not only held tempo — he accelerated it with precision, displaying his technical range and stage charisma. His movements across the stage and communication with the band showed just how much joy he finds in playing. It felt as if he had contained this energy all day, only to explode in groove the moment the show began.

Call and Response, Crowd Engagement

In a heartfelt moment of audience interaction, García invited the crowd to join in a call-and-response. He played a catchy bass lick and encouraged the audience to sing it back — first shyly, then louder and louder. Dividing the crowd into two “teams,” he sparked a friendly competition for volume and groove. The participatory energy culminated in a rocking finish to the tune, with the audience now fully part of the experience.

A Nod to Cory Wong and Guitar Fireworks

García’s recent collaboration with Cory Wong on his 2023 European tour was honored mid-set with a fiery take on “The Grid Generation.” Far from a straightforward cover, the band delivered a sharp, energized version packed with rhythmic precision and bold dynamics.

Andoni Narvaez seized the moment, stepping forward with a solo that revealed his range — from deep-in-the-pocket funk to fluid, melodic phrasing. His interplay with García throughout the entire show was remarkable, consistently locking in on even the smallest licks and nuances. Their tight musical communication was a key element of the band’s groove-driven power.

Final Funk and Explosive Encore

When García announced, “This is the last song!”, the audience cried “No!” in unison. They launched into “Fast Forward Funk,” a crowd favorite. During a breakdown, David Cases delivered a standout saxophone solo while García knelt beside him, amping up the energy to a thrilling climax. The tune closed with unison horn hits and rhythmic precision that underscored the band’s endurance and chemistry.

For the encore, they returned with “Alt-F4,” another cut from Ventura. It was the perfect summary of the set: tight grooves, slapping bass, melodic solos from Narvaez, dynamic horn interplay, and a final drum solo by Sergio Garciaover coordinated band hits — a true funk-fusion showstopper.

After the Funk: A Night of Next-Gen Virtuosity

Vincen García’s set was a tour de force of modern funk — rooted in tradition, elevated by technical excellence, and powered by collective musical joy. As a bass player, frontman, and groove architect, García is leading a new wave of funk with confidence and style. If you get the chance to hear him live, take it — this is music you don’t just hear, you feel.

Udin&Jazz once again proved its visionary programming, following García’s set with the equally thrilling Matteo Mancuso, who was later joined by García himself — a spontaneous fusion of two next-gen virtuosos and a reminder that the spirit of jazz lies in collaboration and connection.

Enjoyed this review? You can check out more of our concert reviews for deeper dives into the performances that move us.