The Dublin Jazz Co-op Presents: Orlando Molina - Antes, Siempre

On 3 September at 7:30 pm, guitarist, arranger and composer Orlando Molina brings the music of his new album Antes, Siempre to The Cobblestone - Back Room, Dublin, for an intimate evening where Latin American song meets contemporary jazz.

The concert follows the recognition of Molina’s previous release, Autorretrato en Tres Colores, as Best Jazz Album in Ireland 2025 by the Dublin Jazz Co-op and general audience.

On this occasion, Orlando Molina will be presented with the inaugural Award for 'Best Irish Jazz Release 2025'.

“A guitarist of rare sensitivity.” — All About Jazz

Antes, Siempre brings together seven original arrangements for nylon-string guitar and voice, reimagining songs from Venezuela, Mexico and Brazil through Molina’s contemporary musical language. Drawing on the harmonic freedom and improvisational spirit of jazz, the arrangements reveal new colours within familiar repertoire while preserving the emotional character of the original songs.

All About Jazz described Molina as “a mature writer with a rich musical syntax, where South American folklore quietly underpins a contemporary jazz sensibility.” For this performance, Molina will be joined by Alicia García (Mexico), Gustavo Ecclesia (Argentina) and Edi Nunes (Brazil), three of the vocalists featured on Antes, Siempre.

Together they will present music from the album alongside additional repertoire, allowing the arrangements to develop through the spontaneity and interaction of live performance. Writing about Antes, Siempre, Mexican publication Quadratín Hispano described the album as “a reinvention of the latinamerican songbook,” revealing new colours and emotional landscapes within familiar songs.

The Cobblestone’s intimate setting provides a natural space for this music: guitar and voice at the centre, with melody, improvisation and musical conversation shaping an evening where Latin American tradition meets the exploratory language of jazz.