At 21:29 hours, the message arrived, concise yet devastating: “Alejandro Reyes has passed away”<\/strong> (Almer\u00eda, 1944-2025). The source, David Calzado, a former colleague from the San Juan Evangelista club, instantly triggered disbelief. The search for confirmation online yielded nothing, creating a fleeting moment of hope. But soon, messages began flooding in, confirming the painful reality, which left many grappling with the depth of their sorrow.<\/p>\n In a fitting yet poignant manner reflective of Alejandro\u2019s character, he expressed a desire to depart without fanfare\u2014no wakes, no funerals, just family<\/strong>. Those closest to him encapsulated his essence perfectly, imagining grand send-offs he would’ve enjoyed\u2014a marching band parading through Almer\u00eda or a vibrant flamenco tribute. As the head of the revered Club de M\u00fasica y Jazz San Juan Evangelista<\/strong>, Alejandro shaped countless lives through music.<\/p>\n Alejandro\u2019s journey was a tapestry woven with musical passions. The San Juan was not just a venue; it was his heart. He loved Almer\u00eda, particularly the Cabo de Gata region, and his culinary passions were as robust as his love for music. A democratic spirit propelled him to fight for freedom during a transformative time in Spain, including a notable stint in the cultural council under Tierno Galv\u00e1n. <\/p>\n Born simply as Reyes, he later adopted Alejandro<\/strong>\u2014one can imagine he found the regal title limiting, believing instead that he deserved a name befitting his monumental spirit. Arriving in Madrid to study industrial engineering, he left with only a few exams outstanding, rejecting offers to complete them just for the sake of formality.<\/p>\n Alejandro had an innate connection to music, particularly jazz, which he viewed as the embodiment of freedom and improvisation<\/strong>. Flamenco flowed in his veins, and while he indulged in various genres, he dismissed the new age<\/strong> movement as a temporary deviation from his true artistic identity.<\/p>\n His professional milestones were impressive: from winning the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts<\/strong> in 2010 to celebrating significant concerts, including the last performance of the iconic Camar\u00f3n. His work through various institutions, including the Youth Institute<\/strong> and promoting festivals like Jazz, Flamenco, and Gospel in Madrid, proved his commitment to cultural enrichment.<\/p>\n Despite battling health issues in later years, Alejandro\u2019s passing felt sudden to all who knew and adored him. As his friends shared personal messages and celebrated his life in small gatherings, he began to embrace social media and reconnect with political activism back in Almer\u00eda. His later years were marked by recognition, including tributes from the El Taranto<\/strong> group and the ex-students of San Juan Evangelista, even inspiring a documentary titled Club de Reyes<\/strong> by filmmaker Andrea Barrionuevo in 2016.<\/p>\n Writing this farewell feels surreal, the grief too heavy to comprehend. Alejandro often reminded me, \u201cPablo, remember, Presi-Uno-M\u00e1s<\/strong>, no one is indispensable.\u201d Yet, for those who had the privilege to know him, he was. He left us as a staunch supporter of FC Barcelona\u2014perhaps his only flaw, as jokingly noted by the late jazz journalist, Jos\u00e9 Ram\u00f3n Rubio. But we take solace in knowing wherever he may be, he has reunited with his friend Merayo and legends like Miles Davis and Sarah Vaughan\u2014artists he felt indebted to in spirit. <\/p>\nA Quiet Departure<\/h3>\n
Memories of a Musical Journey<\/h3>\n
The Genre Innovator<\/h3>\n
The Legacy Left Behind<\/h3>\n
A Lasting Impact<\/h3>\n