ALEX Mercado - hailed as mexico's most successful jazz music expert, will perform at Turner Sims in Southampton on Friday October 26.

A pianist with astounding technique and boundless imagination, he is joined by Yuri Goloubev on double bass and Asaf Sirkis on drums.

Alex Mercado is is acclaimed for his ability to write striking compositions and create vibrant sonic landscapes.

Following tours in Ireland, France, The Netherlands and India in recent years, this special one-off concert at Turner Sims marks his long-awaited UK debut.

For this occasion, Mercado will showcase music from his most recent album “Paisajes”, recorded in Mexico City, and reflecting nine of the most beautiful Mexican landscapes through music.

Alex Mercado’s career highlights to date include being commissioned in 2010 to arrange and perform as the featured soloist in the orchestral opening to Sir Elton John’s concert at Chichen Itza with the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra and being chosen in 2012 by the Mexican government to inaugurate with a solo piano concert the iconic City Of The Books, one of Mexico City’s most important and historic landmarks. He’s been called “one of the finest jazz musicians Mexico has produced” in the influential US magazine DownBeat in 2015.

The concert is presented in association with the University of Southampton’s Mexico week (Wednesday October 24 - Friday November 2) which showcases contemporary Mexican artistic, cultural and social activities. There will be a range of exciting events from theatre productions, jazz music, mariachis bands, lectures on Mexico, films by Mexican directors, Mexican food and drink, and opportunities to practise your (Mexican) Spanish. The timing of this week coincides with the famous Mexican celebrations of the Day of the Dead, for which there will be Altars set up at the Avenue Campus and the Students’ Union.

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