Set in the hip barrio of Cabanayl-Canyamelar, ‘Mar d’Amura’ set the tone for its weekly jazz series with a captivating performance by the impressive duo of Viktorija Pilatovic (vocals and keyboards) and Joan Soler (jazz guitar). On Friday, April 4th, the venue came alive with an evening of intimate and sensual jazz music that  worked from the start to finish. It ended up being a delightful and warm concert that left its mark on the audience and the artists too.

From the very first notes of “What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life,” it was clear that this was no ordinary performance. Pilatovic, whose credentials include serving as a vocal director at Berklee Valencia, showcased a masterful command of phrasing and dynamic range. Her voice, warm and nuanced, wrapped the lyric with vulnerability and precision. Paired with Soler’s fluid and expressive jazz guitar work, the result was real musical chemistry—refined, instinctual, and deeply felt. Joan Soler’s innate knowledge of jazz and his ability to transmit it on an emotional as well as technical level… marks him as surely one of the best guitarists in that genre today in Spain.

The setlist was an eclectic journey through jazz standards, Brazilian influences, and original compositions. Highlights included a dreamy rendition of ‘Moon River’, a playful and technically agile take on ‘Bluesette’, and a tender ‘My Funny Valentine’. Soler’s arrangement of ‘Blue in Green’ was particularly striking, evoking a sense of spacious melancholy that allowed Pilatovic’s voice to shimmer in the silence between the notes.

A standout moment came with the original piece ‘I Was at Home’, which gave the duo a chance to explore more personal, contemporary terrain. Pilatovic’s lyrics and delivery drew listeners in, while Soler’s guitar provided a grounded, emotional counterpoint. Their interpretation of ‘How Insensitive’ closed the night with subtle drama, blending Brazilian saudade with cool jazz elegance.

The setting of Mar d’Amura proved ideal for the performance—intimate, acoustically warm, and visually inviting. Guests were seated just close enough to feel part of the performance, yet with room to breathe and absorb the music. The ambience underscored the duo’s technical  virtuosity and emotional delivery, making each moment feel immediate and personal. It was a gentle joy to witness this memorable concert close up. As a duo, they have swing.

As the launch of the venue’s new Friday Jazz Nights, this concert could not have been a more fitting introduction. Viktorija Pilatovic and Joan Soler brought not just technical excellence, but soul, storytelling, and deep musical understanding and jazz knowledge too. If this evening was any indication, ‘Mar d’Amura’ is set to become a must-visit destination for jazz lovers. Many thanks to shaker and mover Shyamala for organizing & hosting these jazz concerts at ‘Mar D’Amura’ as well as the owner of this chic restaurant Maria… for her generosity of spirit too.

Report by  Will McCarthy

Photos copyright Phillip Solomonson/ ‘24/7 Valencia’

Setlist:

1. What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life
2. Moon River
3. Bluesette
4. I Was at Home
5. If I Should Lose You
6. Blue in Green
7. My Funny Valentine
8. I’ve Never Been in Love Before
9. Billie’s Bounce
10. How Insensitive