Blues Train

Blues Train brings together some of the most experienced and highly regarded musicians on the Spanish blues and rhythm & blues scene. A group of seasoned professionals with extensive experience performing on stages both in Spain and internationally, united by a shared passion: blues in its purest form.

With a distinctive identity and a flexible line-up, Blues Train delivers an energetic and dynamic show, built around a solid musical foundation and a repertoire celebrating the great classics of electric blues from the 1950s and 1960s.

The band's musical journey explores the different sounds and styles of the genre, from Chicago to Memphis, taking in New Orleans and Texas along the way, paying tribute to legendary figures such as Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Jimmy Rogers, Freddie King, Howlin' Wolf, B.B. King and Little Walter.

One of the project's defining features is its versatility. The line-up includes two guitarists, Francisco Simón and Alex Caporuscio, who usually alternate depending on the nature and requirements of each performance. There is also the option of featuring both guitarists when the format and needs of the show call for it.

Blues Train is also open to collaborations with guest soloists, both from Spain and abroad, creating different musical experiences and shows while always preserving its own musical identity.

A solid band, a repertoire packed with timeless classics, outstanding musicianship and plenty of groove. Electric blues at its best, with all the power, character and excitement that make the genre so special.

THE MUSICIANS

TXAKO JONES

Vocals

A singer from Seville who began her musical career at the age of 16. After performing with various bands in her hometown, she moved to London in 2009, where she further developed her vocal and musical skills while becoming actively involved in the city's funk and blues scene. Throughout her career, she has worked with musicians such as Tony Rémy and been involved in projects including Big Girls Blues Band, J-Funk, Kid Carlos Band, Blues Train and O’Funk’illo. A powerful and versatile vocalist, she moves effortlessly between blues, soul, jazz and funk.

PAUL SAN MARTÍN

Piano

Pianist, singer and composer born in San Sebastián in 1979. Classically trained and holding an advanced qualification in jazz piano, he has developed a distinctive style blending blues, boogie-woogie, stride piano and rhythm & blues. He has led projects such as Stay Blues and Paul San Martín Trio, and collaborated with international artists including Billy Boy Arnold, Nico Wayne Toussaint, Otis Grand, James Armstrong and Sax Gordon. He is also a member of Noa & The Hell Drinkers, winners of the 2023 European Blues Challenge.

JORGE OTERO “JAFO”

Bass & Double Bass

A bass and double bass player with an extensive career on the Spanish music scene, Jorge Otero has worked with a wide range of bands and projects spanning blues, jazz and rhythm & blues. His collaborations include artists and bands such as Celtas Cortos, Carlos Chaouen, Cárabo and Velma Powell, as well as projects alongside leading musicians from the Spanish and international music scenes. He is a founding member of Bluedays, a band formed in Valladolid in 1998, and has also built a significant career as a music promoter and programmer.

ADRIÁN CARRERA

Drums

Drummer, percussionist and producer born in Madrid in 1992. He began playing drums at the age of ten and, at just 19, joined Tonky de la Peña's band, performing hundreds of concerts and touring extensively. Since then, he has worked with numerous Spanish and international artists, including Iker Piris, Little G Weevil, Marco Cinelli and Big Dez. In 2018, he founded Buddy’s Garage Records, a record label and recording studio specialising in African-American music. His playing is distinguished by its groove, power and versatility.

FRANCISCO SIMÓN

Guitar

Guitarist, composer and producer from Madrid with more than four decades of experience. He was a member of some of the most influential bands on the Spanish blues scene, including Tonky Blues Band and Red House, the latter of which he co-founded with Jeff Espinoza in 1998. He has backed and shared the stage with artists such as Miguel Ríos, Rosendo, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom Jones, Willie DeVille and Kenny Neal, among many others. He is currently part of the original American line-up of The Blues Brothers, taking over the guitar position held by the legendary Steve Cropper following his passing. His musical style blends blues with soul, funk and American roots rock.

ALEX CAPORUSCIO

Guitar

Guitarist, singer and songwriter born in London in 1973, of Spanish and Italian descent. He began playing guitar at the age of six and discovered the blues during his teenage years, developing a strong musical connection with artists such as John Lee Hooker, B.B. King and Albert King. After starting his career in Italy, he moved to Madrid in 1995, where he has collaborated with artists including Ñaco Goñi, Velma Powell, Javier Vargas and Amar Sundy, as well as being involved in various blues and rhythm & blues projects. He has also released recordings under his own name and leads his own bands, Alex Caporuscio Trio and Alex Caporuscio & The Strats.

MINGO BALAGUER

Vocals & Harmonica

Blues harmonica player and singer from Seville, Mingo Balaguer began his professional career in 1987 and has devoted his musical life entirely to the blues ever since. He spent ten years as a member of Caledonia Blues Band, with whom he performed at the Cazorla Blues Festival in 1994. Throughout his career, he has released 18 albums and shared stages and collaborated with international blues figures such as Charlie Musselwhite, Carey Bell, Lurrie Bell, Bob Margolin, Kenny Neal, Sugar Ray Norcia, Sax Gordon and Tia Carroll, among many others.

His musical career has taken him to numerous countries across Europe, America and Asia, as well as to international festivals such as Dark Season Blues in Svalbard. In 2022, he won third prize at the European Blues Challenge in Malmö with Mingo Sanpa & Bárez Bros. He is an official Hohner artist and a member of the European Blues Union.