About
La Locomotora Negra is a group of amateur Catalan jazz formed in Barcelona in 1971. Initially it was a quintet composed of the brothers Ricard Gili, Carles Gili and Toni Gili, and Lluís Trepat and Cristòfol Trepat. Later the formation was extended until forming an orchestra of eleven members and at the moment they are 16.
The style of the Black Locomotive is oriented towards black jazz in its most popular aspects. Take on the model the most famous orchestras of the swing time, such as Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. He has participated in the international festivals of Barcelona (1974 and 1981), El Vendrell (1975), Sitges (1976), San Sebastián (1977), in which he won the first prize of the concerts of amateurs in the traditional jazz mode, and Vitoria (1979) among others. He has also performed at the international festival of Middelheim, in the city of Antwerp, and at the Hot Club festival in France in Montauban (1983, 1985 and 1991).
He has accompanied international musicians like Bill Coleman, Benny Waters and Gene Mighty Flea Conners. In 2002 they received the Cross of Saint George.
According to Jaç magazine, Hey, Mr. Landlord! (1983) is considered one of the best Catalan jazz discs.