Ahead of his return to The Standard, Ibiza (catch him at Jara Jazz Jam) we sat down with Pere to talk improvisation, island energy, and why his label Rhythm & Bliss is a synthesis jazz, house, and the Balearic soul he grew up around.
Known for blending genres, Navarro moves between trumpet and turntables, jazz clubs and rooftops, always chasing the magic of the live moment. His performances blend instinct and intention—journeys that shift with the energy in the room. From his new record Quintessential to late-night sets under the island sky, Navarro embodies the spirit of Ibiza: free, eclectic, and always in rhythm.
You’ve played everywhere from Paris to Copenhagen, but what’s special about performing at The Standard, Ibiza—does it feel like your home turf?
Playing at The Standard is always special. It’s right in the heart of Ibiza, so in a way it feels like home, but with an international energy that keeps it fresh. I love it because anything can happen there: there’s no setlist or fixed structure. Each session is born from improvisation, from the moment, from whatever’s happening in the room. It’s a space that invites you to take risks, to let go—and that fits perfectly with how I understand music. It’s where technique meets intuition, and the audience becomes part of the experience. In the end, it’s a shared journey that never happens the same way twice.
Three words you’d use to describe the feeling of bringing your sound to The Standard crowd.
Freedom, connection, and soul. Freedom because there are no limits or expectations—only the moment. Connection because it’s something that happens between the musicians and the energy of the room. And soul because, at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: letting the music speak from an honest place, without filters.
Describe your favorite kind of space to perform in.
I prefer intimate spaces, where you can really feel the energy up close and the sound stays in the room. It’s not about size, but about that feeling of being together under one roof, sharing the same moment.
I’ve been lucky to play in clubs like Sunset Sunside in Paris, Pizza Express in London, Jamboree in Barcelona, and Parker & Lennox in Mexico City—all of them have that sense of intimacy, connection, and soul that inspires me. Even at The Standard, during special nights like the Jazz Point International Festival, that same magic happens where everything flows naturally.
Growing up, when did you realize Ibiza wasn’t just home—it was a muse?
For a long time, I saw Ibiza simply as the place where I was born. In my early years, I even tried to distance myself from that identity, especially because of the clichés often associated with the island. But over time, I realized that Ibiza wasn’t just part of me—it was a constant source of inspiration.
Here, so many cultures, sounds, and energies coexist, and that’s allowed me to absorb influences from all over: jazz, house, flamenco, soul… That mix, that creative freedom, is what defines my music today. Ibiza taught me not to set limits, to be eclectic, and to stay true to who I am—both as an artist and as a person.
Tell us about QUINTESSENTIAL.
Quintessential is my third album, and it comes after seven years of silence between releases. It’s a double LP that marks a turning point for me—a way of expressing where I come from and where I’m heading. The A and B sides show my jazz side, as a trumpeter and composer, while the C and D sides reflect my role as a producer and pianist, closer to house, soul, and electronic music.
It’s also the first record where I don’t hide my Ibizan identity—that mix of roots, freedom, and eclecticism that defines the island. I wanted to make something conscious and timeless, which is why Quintessential isn’t on Spotify. It only exists on vinyl and Bandcamp. I wanted to bring back that experience of listening deeply—of holding a record in your hands and letting it take you somewhere.
You blend jazz, house, and soul in your sets. Who are some of your biggest influences from those genres?
My influences are wide-ranging, but I’d start with jazz trumpeters like Roy Hargrove, Chief Adjuah (Christian Scott), Nicholas Payton, and Alex Sipiagin; pianists like Robert Glasper, Kiefer, and Aaron Parks; and producers like Terrace Martin—all of whom have deeply influenced me with their sound and approach to improvisation.
On the electronic side, I’m inspired by artists like Kaytranada, Louie Vega, Nathan Haines, Crackazat, Atjazz, and Jimpster for their ability to blend groove, soul, and elegance. Most of them are artists who break down genre boundaries and remind me that music doesn’t need limits.
Our guests are always looking for hidden spots in Ibiza. When you’re not behind the decks or with your trumpet, where do you disappear to on the island?
It really depends on the time of day. In the morning, you’ll probably find me at a café having a healthy breakfast. Around lunchtime, I’ll be enjoying a good paella or bullit de peix with friends. In the afternoon, I’m napping on a quiet beach until sunset. And at night… on The Standard rooftop, taking in the views and the vibe.
Rhythm & Bliss is your own label. Tell us a bit about how that started.
Rhythm & Bliss was born out of a need to have a space where I could create and share music without filters. I wanted a label that reflected my vision of art—where rhythm and emotion coexist in balance.
The idea came to life after a very inspiring trip to New York, encouraged by Willie Graff. I spent a month and a half soaking up music: jazz sessions at legendary clubs like Blue Note and Dizzy’s, and late-night sets at venues like Le Bain. That trip made me realize that, at its core, it’s all connected: two soulful worlds speaking the same African-American language and roots—jazz, house, and electronic sounds, all with that Balearic touch from Ibiza.
That mix, along with everything I mentioned earlier, became the motivation behind the label and also behind our conceptual party, where the goal is to bring together some of the best artists in the world who are breaking barriers and exploring new sounds. Rhythm & Bliss is a meeting point between the soul of jazz, the energy of the club, and the creative freedom of Ibiza.
We had to ask: beach or pool?
I never had a pool at home—my family has always been very conscious about the water problems we have here—so definitely beach. Nothing beats the sea to reset and recharge.
