Carlos Navarrete-Benlloch
Versus Five is my main band, which I funded with my musical partner and keyboard extraordinaire Pablo Barrios in 2004. In a hiatus since I started my post-PhD adventure in 2012, Versus Five is just waiting the right chance to regroup with full strength.
The band was created with a single premise: developing an instrumental safe creative environment with no stylistic borders, where musicians can pour their souls and emotions.
This premise led to a set list which showcases the strengths of all the diverse musicians who have passed through the band over the years, combining elements of jazz, rock, latin, electro, and flamenco, which add up to a powerful show that leaves no one indifferent.
Two examples of such diverse tunes are Strange character (video above, 2011 live version) and Funk reunion (right video, 2009 studio version).
The band self-produced a studio album in 2009, The Paths Behind Music. It was recorded at Aural Studios by Alberto Díaz, mixed by the sound wizard Jorge Pérez, and mastered by Juan Hidalgo. The tasteful Tactel Graphics were chosen for the artwork.
The album contains 11 original tunes that leave plenty of creative space for all the members of the six-piece band. It creates an emotional soundscape designed to capture the listeners attention.
The band also self-produced a live show in 2011, with the video recorded and edited by Figa Produccions, and the audio mixed by Jorge Pérez.
Versus Five has nurtured from many musicians over the years. Apart from myself on guitar, the other constant members have been Pablo Barrios on keys and Riki Palacios on percussion. The rest of the instruments have changed hands as follows:
Drumms
Víctor Traves (2011 - 2012)
Osvaldo Jorge (2007 - 2011)
Borja González (2004 - 2007)
Brass
Héctor Juan (2012)
Javier Feltrer (2009 - 2012)
Voro García (studio trumpet)
Dani Cano (2004 - 2009)
Bass
David Llácer (2011 - 2012)
Xavier Alamán (2008 - 2011)
Jorge Molina (2005 - 2008)
Diego Faus (2004 - 2005)
You can find Versus Five in some of the usual platforms:
