Cape Jazz Festival Unveils 2012 Musical Gems(24 Jan 2012)
Johannesburg, Tuesday 24 January, 2012 - Jazz enthusiasts no longer have to hold their breath with the final announcement of artists for the 2012 Cape Town International Jazz Festival announced today at Katzy’s in Rosebank, Johannesburg. This year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival will take on March 30 and 31. In its 13th year, the festival continues to titillate South African audiences with the finest in local and international performers at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The headliners reflect the festival's philosophy of broadening audience's perspectives of what is understood as 'jazz'.
"If it's music, sweet music, lets it play," is the philosophy of Jamaican-hailing reggae band Third World - one of the headliner acts aimed at bridging these divides. Originally formed in 1973 in Kingston, Third World has over its three-decade spanning career interwoven subtleties of funk, soul, R&B and rock into reggae music, releasing 23 albums in total. They are one of Jamaica's longest running acts which means that they easily bumped heads with the likes of Bob Marley and the Wailers early in their career. Third World will make their South African debut at this year’s festival, firing up their message of peace, love and unity.
Brooklyn based multi-instrumentalist and producer, Marcus Miller is another major artist who headlines the festival. While Millers' main instrument is bass, his prolific work started in the late 70s. He has worked as an arranger, songwriter, film score composer, keyboardist, clarinetist and saxophonist. A live set from Miller can include an odd mix of anything from The Talking Heads to John Coltrane and The Stylistics. Miller was born at a time when jazz was peaking in New York. He was part of a musical family which made becoming a multi-instrumentalist in his teenage years natural. Some of his best known work is with Miles Davis during the early 80's, working on the albums Tutu and Music from Siesta. He has an epic background of musical accolades and as a session musician has worked with the likes of Michael Jackson, Wayne Shorter, Chaka Khan and Aretha Franklin.
Harlem born songwriter and vocalist Patti Austin and her trio will tour her Grammy award-winning jazz program which includes hits ranging from Ella Fitzgerald to Avant Gershwin. Austin has a legacy of 16 solo albums which cross musical boundaries. Her road to success was paved early as she made her debut at the Apollo Theatre in 1954 at the age of four and had a contract with RCA Records when she was five. Keeping the musical fires burning, The Patti Austin Trio's festival performance will form part of a massive 2012 European tour with new album Sound Advice.
Completing the headliners of international performers is Kansas City-born vocalist Kevin Mahogany. New Yorker Magazine has labeled him "The Standout jazz vocalist of his generation". Starting off his career as an instrumentalist, Mahogany has focused his career on being a jazz vocalist in the style of Joe Williams. Currently he runs his own label called Mahogany Jazz.
The legendary Quincy Jones is responsible for discovering and introducing Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodriguez to the festival organisers. The impromptu performance of Rodriguez in Jones’ lounge for organisers Rashid Lombard and Billy Domingo convinced the pair that Rodriguez was a natural fit for the festival. Jones says "I'm thrilled that Alfredo has been given a platform to perform at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. I think he will find surprising musical similarities between his roots in Cuba and his South African experience."
Other international performers at the festival include Chinese minimalist solo pianist Xia Jia and French bossa nova meets nu-wave act Nouvelle Vague. Joining them is Allen Stone, a storytelling guitarist and singer from Washington who could be described as a funky white boy with soul. Angolan afro-funk singer and composer Gabriel Tchiema completes the line-up of international acts.
Audiences will be thrilled to see legendary South African trumpeter and bandleader Hugh Masekela return to the festival and present a special project for the first time on local shores. Masekela will rally up an army of musical giants for 'MAMA AFRICA' -a tribute to the great songbird Miriam Makeba. Masekela as musical director joins forces with a powerhouse trio of vocalists in the form of Vusi Mahlasela, Thandiswa Mazwai and Zolani Mahola. The show made its debut at the Rio Loco Festival in Toulouse, France in June 2010 and has since travelled to Barcelona, London and Berlin.
Masekela won't be the only South African legend on stage this year. Dorothy Masuka will also perform at the festival. Masuka rose to fame in the 50's as a struggle artist as a singer alongside the likes of Masekela and Makeba.
If the edgiest music that is coming out of South Africa at the moment is hip-hop, then the festival has been spot on with the talent this year. HHP aka Hip Hop Pantsula and Cape Town's own swag-boasting Ill Skillz aka Ill Literate Skill join the line-up. HHP is a multi-SAMA award-winning rapper and alongside Ill Skillz represent fresh and youthful South African voices.
There is a huge focus on African roots and rhythms on the festival line-up this year. Pietermaritzburg born saxophonist Steve Dyer has been on the South African music scene for some time but he has constantly evolved musically. His latest project Ubuntu Music will be released as an album this year and performed at the festival for the first time. His band features pianist Bokani Dyer, bassist Shaun Johannes, trumpeter Lwanda Gogwana and drummer Andre Swartz. In a similar vein, South
African bassist Herbie Tsoaeli, who has performed with some of S.A's greatest jazz musicians, will be presenting his long-awaited debut album African Time. Harmonica player Adam Glasser has spent significant time between South Africa and the United Kingdom, collaborating with major artists from both countries such as Dudu Pukwana and Toots Thielemens. Glasser will present his latest album Mzansi at the festival. Cape Town based saxophonist Victor Kula grew up in Rylands and now resides in Gugulethu. He has kept his musical associations proudly local and is greatly influenced by the late Winston 'Mankunku' Ngozi. Hassan'adas led by percussionist John Hassan experiments with Marrabenta and African jive rhythms
Old school glitz and glamour diva Sophia Foster, one of S.A's sisters of song also joins the line-up. Another kind of diva, ex-fashion stylist Lindiwe Suttle initiated her career as a vocalist with Rus Nerwich and The Collective Imagination in 2008. Now Suttle has returned from Berlin with a more electronic focus on her debut album Kamikaze Art courtesy of engineer Dave Kutch whose previous work includes Al Green and Alicia Keys.
Zakes Bantwini has himself confessed that his live performance launches a wilder alter-ego, “Zakhele Madida (his real name) is actually a shy guy and a bit reserved. When I 'm on stage I am in a trance and the Zakes Bantwini character takes over. He just comes out.” Bantwini is one of the few South African artists who has managed to cross the boundary of afro-house and live jazz. Radio personality, Idols judge, singer and songwriter Unathi will also perform at the festival. Fans can expect new material from Unathi since she recently released her third album With Love.
As previously announced, the rest of the line-up for 2012 is completed by the following artists: James Ingram (USA), Dave Koz with special guest Patti Austin (USA), Mike Stern with special guest Dave Weckl (USA), Virtual Jazz Reality (SA), Brubecks play Brubeck (USA/SA), Ron Carter, Donald Harrison and Lenny White (USA), Andre Petersen Quintet (SA), Atmosphere (USA), Jean Grae (USA), Goodluck (SA), Zamajobe (SA), Zahara (SA), The Jason Reolon Trio (SA), David Sanchez with special guest Lionel Loueke (Puerto Rico/Benin), The Moreira Project (Mozambique) and Alexander Sinton High School Jazz Band (SA).
A massive affirmation regarding the artistic and cultural importance of the jazz festival was President Jacob Zuma's mention of the festival in his State of the Nation speech last year. Over 34 000 tourists are attracted to the festival annually. Mr Paul Mashatile, Minister of Arts and Culture comments on the relevance of the festival, “The Cape Town International Jazz Festival does not only expose audiences to a wide array of the best international and local music, the event also contributes to providing a larger skills base in the creative sector which helps in sustaining the creative industries in South Africa.” Aside from contributing a significant amount to South Africa's economic and tourism industries, young journalists are nurtured in the annual Arts Journalism Program led by jazz critic Gwen Ansell.
Developmental programs where students and professionals are paired is key to the festivals outlook. Each year the festival provides a series of workshops which run over eight days aimed at developing methods and transferring skills in terms of music and business. Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape comments, "Musical talent is vital to the success of these kinds of events, and music development programmes for the youth, such as those funded by the Western Cape Government, are the perfect platform to grow and nurture talent.”
Celebrating not only musical creativity, but visual creativity too, The Duotone Photographic Exhibition is another annual fixture of the festival. Every year it commemorates prolific jazz photography.
One of the most exciting elements to the festival is the annual free Community Concert which brings thousands together in the centre of Cape Town on Green Market Square. This year the concert will take place on March 28th, the Wednesday preceding the festival. The line-up is usually a teaser of some of the local and international acts that will feature at the festival.
The festival has over the years garnered huge provincial support from the Western Cape. Minister Alan Winde, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism for the Western Cape comments, "The Western Cape Government is pleased to be associated with an event of this calibre that draws artists from across the globe and we look forward to yet another spectacular show.” Patricia De Lille, Executive Mayor of Cape Town echoes this sentiment, "This musical celebration epitomises what this administration aims to do in building an inclusive city by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds throughout the city and the rest of the country to enjoy the musical talents of local artists and renowned international superstars. The City will continue to support this festival to promote the heritage of jazz music and ensure that it continues to attract large crowds."
The gold sponsor for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2012 is the Department of Arts and Culture. Other sponsors include Provincial Government of the Western Cape, The City of Cape Town, Cape Town Routes Unlimited, Oude Meester, Hansa Pilsner, Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Cape Town Partnership and the Western Cape Education Department.
Tickets for the festival are R400 for a single day pass and R550 for a two-day weekend pass. As in previous years, there is an additional fee of R30 per act for performances at the Rosies stage.
Tickets are available at Computicket and Shoprite-Checkers stores.
For more information visit www.capetownjazzfest.com
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For more information or interviews with artists and organisers please contact:
Sarah Anderson @ Meropa Communications
+27 11 506 7316
+27 82 857 4398
saraha@meropa.co.za
John Boyd @ Meropa Communications
+27 11 506 7300
+27 84 310 9817
johnb@meropa.co.za
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Jazz festival pumps up GDP volume in 2011(23 Aug 2011)
From the beginning, attracting a mere six thousand music lovers in the year 2000, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival has grown to become the defining music event on the continent. And with an audience now 33500 strong, the festival’s impact goes way beyond the performance arenas.
With a consistent offering of stellar global acts over the past 12 years, it is no surprise that audience loyalty has followed suit. The steady surge in attendance figures prompted CTIJF to move from the Good Hope Centre to the much larger Cape Town International Convention Centre in 2004. espAfrika CEO and Festival Director Rashid Lombard says, “The event has been sold out in advance for several years now and we are immensely thankful for the support our audiences have shown. Our only regret is that we‘ve reached the audience capacity ceiling in the venue for the moment. But, we’re very pleased to announce that plans are well underway for expanding the venue’s capacity. This will allow many more “festinos” to become part of Africa’s grandest gathering.”
Minister Paul Mashatile, Department of Arts and Culture says: ‘’We note that the Cape Town International Jazz Festival makes a significant contribution to the economy of the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape in general. The Festival is one of our country’s major tourist attractions and contributes to job creation. It is because of such reasons that as the Department of Arts and Culture we continue to make the point that; the cultural and creative industries, of which festivals are an important part, is a major driver of economic growth and job creation.’’
In the chilly economic climate of recent years, many countries have begun to measure cultural impact in more dispassionate financial terms and South Africa is no exception. Following research into the economic impact of large events in SA, it is apparent that the CTIJF holds quantifiable benefits not only for Cape Town, but also for South Africa as a whole.
According to the latest research results from the Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies (North West University) the Western Cape economy enjoyed benefit to the value of R498.6 million in 2011. This amount is up by 4.9 percent from last year’s figure. Nationally, as a result of CTIJF, South Africa’s GDP saw benefit to the tune of R761 million- an increase of 7% from 2010.
Cllr. Grant Pascoe from the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral committee for Social Development said, “The festival has become an integral part of the Cape Town events calendar and brings thousands of tourists to our city. Through supporting our local tourism industry in this way it sustains jobs, and ultimately puts bread on the tables of families who might have had to go without otherwise. That’s why we’d like to see the strong growth that the festival has experienced over the past several years continue”
Understandably, espAfrika is highly pleased with the festival’s impact although as Festival Director Rashid Lombard adds, “the fact that audience capacity is currently limited to 33500 people does place a limit on the event’s ability to grow further - for the moment.” According to the research, many of the festinos who attend the festival return year after year. And as a direct result of the festival, jobs were created for 2700 staff and numerous service providers.
Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape, “What makes the Cape Town Jazz Festival so special is that not only does it bring a major economic injection into the Western Cape’s economy and provide many jobs in our tourism and related industries, but it also provides opportunities for growing new talent with a number of programmes focused on developing our youth. I look forward to seeing these future stars, who have been given the opportunity to grow their talent and musical skills becoming main attractions at the Festival.”
Along with these economic positives, wide media coverage of the event is a vital part of the festival phenomenon. With 9 radio stations, 11 TV channels and 139 accredited journalists from 14 countries covering the festival, awareness of CTIJF is global. The event attracts audience members from 19 countries around the world - excluding SA. And, with the massive investment in marketing and publicity from espAfrika and its numerous partners, media recovery has increased to R406 million in 2011.
“The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is as vibrant, multi-cultural and global as ever and it has become a major event on the international music calendar. SA Tourism takes great pride in supporting a proudly South African event which continues to position our country as a leading international player on the jazz scene, along with the likes of New Orleans, Montreux and North Sea Jazz. We hosted over 100 journalists at the festival this year, from all over Africa and from as far afield as China and the United States and the festival has contributed to helping us position South Africa as a unique lifestyle, fashion, design, leisure and musical destination. We’re delighted to see that it continues to contribute strongly to our country’s economy and tourism offering,” said Thandiwe January-McLean, CEO of South African Tourism.
On the question of benefits within the festival halls, espAfrika CEO and Festival Director Rashid Lombard, says, “As a marketing opportunity, the festival brings brands and consumers together within the perfect space where hearts can be touched and genuine loyalty can be forged.”
According to Calvyn Gilfellan, CEO of Cape Town Routes Unlimited, destination marketing organisation for Cape Town and the Western Cape, the Cape Town International Jazz Festivals is one of the iconic events hosted in the city. “It serves as catalyst in drawing visitors from Africa and has to date given rise to two continental Jazz Festivals – one in Mozambique, another in Angola. Developing markets in Africa is one of our strategic focal points and therefore the strategic importance of a mega event like this cannot overstated. The successful hosting of the 2011 Cape Town International Jazz Festival also showcases the event organising ability of our beautiful destination.”
“The CTIJF now approaches its thirteenth year and all the experience we’ve built up over the years has definitely helped us achieve some of our longer term goals,” says espAfrika director Billy Domingo who adds that, “To say that the beginning was tough would be putting it very politely. But right at the outset, our key objective was to put on a show where the excellent quality of the performers would be matched by production. And even though costs were sky high, we knew that compromising on quality would sink us.”
Besides the impressive results of espAfrika’s focus on quality, it also appears that much thought and effort has gone into boosting the music business and associated industries beyond the 3-day festival. The event’s highly structured skills transfer program comprises a range of courses in musicianship, arts journalism and business skills.
Organised workshops and master classes are a major attraction for a new generation of musicians hungry for knowledge and techniques. One of the most exciting new developments at CTIJF is the music auditions hosted by the prestigious Berklee College of Music (USA), where 5 students were avoided scholarships. Courses designed to build skills in music event production and in the hard-edged business side of music have proven very popular as well.
On the outlook for the future, Lombard observes that, “Worldwide, creative industries have proven to be viable and highly sustainable. We must do everything we can to learn from these examples and be prepared to innovate at home.”
Western Cape Tourism Minister, Alan Winde said, “The Cape Town International Jazz festival has become an integral part of the Western Cape mega-events calendar and of our strategy to grow both domestic and international tourism to the destination. Each year, it brings thousands of tourists to our province, creating and sustaining jobs across this vital sector of our economy. That’s why we’d like to see the strong growth that the festival has experienced over the past 12 years continue.”
With these latest results, the powerful impact of the CTIJF offers proof of what is possible. And with more space to house the festival in the near future, further growth seems a welcome certainty. As Rashid Lombard observes, “In these times and especially on our continent, a healthy creative industry has become a necessity, the festival is proof that the arts can be a powerful tool to alleviate socio-economic ills such as poverty and unemployment.”
ENDS
For more information interviews or pictures please contact:
espAfrika
Carenza van Willingh: carenza@espafrika.com
Office telephone: +27 21 422 5651
Cell : 082 745 9790
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Sensational Mix Of International Icons For Jazz Festival 2012(22 Nov 2011)
Leading South African event and artist promotion company, espAfrika, today announced the first 17 confirmed acts for next year’s 13th Cape Town International Jazz Festival which will take place from 30-31 March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
For the first time the festival brings multi grammy award-winner and back-to-back platinum gold selling vocalist James Ingram (USA) with hits such as Just Once and I Don’t Have The Heart. Ingram is best known for his hit collaborations such as Yah Mo Be There, Baby Come To Me and How Do You Keep The Music Playing.
Returning to the festival is award winning sensational music icon, internationally renowned jazz saxophonist Dave Koz (USA) with special guest Patti Austin (USA), six-time Grammy nominee and premier jazz and jazz-fusion guitarist Mike Stern (USA) performing with accomplished drummer Dave Weckl (USA), as well as South Africa’s own Virtual Jazz Reality (SA).
Serious jazz lovers can look forward to internationa jazz veterans the Brubeck Brothers, Darius (piano), Chris (bass) and Dan (drums) with special guest Mike Rossi (sax) playing as Brubecks play Brubeck (USA/SA). Jazz master bassist, Ron Carter (USA), saxophonist Donald Harrison (USA), creator of the the Noveau Swing Jazz style, and jazz fusion drummer Lenny White (USA), from Return To Forever fame, will be cooking up a storm on the Rosies Stage. Other artist to look forward to on the Rosies Stage include the Andre Petersen Quintet (SA) who will be launching their debut album.
Attracting the younger audience is indie hip-hop band Atmosphere (USA), as well as South African born female MC Jean Grae (USA). Other artists included in the first artist announcement include Cape Town electronic duo Goodluck (SA), South African songbird Zamajobe (SA) and local rising soul star Zahara (SA), all set to take the Bassline Stage by storm.
Audiences will be treated to a dynamic performance, fresh off the release of his newest album Outline, by The Jason Reolon Trio (SA), as well as Alfredo Rodriguez (Cuba), a young pianist of astonishing virtuosity and imagination, discovered and introduced to the festival by legendary music icon Quincy Jones, and Grammy award winning tenor saxophonist David Sanchez (Puerto Rico) invites Lionel Loueke (Benin), who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame over the past several years, as his special guest.
Audiences will also see The Moreira Project (Mozambique) fill venues with their unique afro-jazz sounds, as well as youth development band the Alexander Sinton High School Jazz Band (SA) who have been selected to open the festival on the Saturday.
“We are extremely excited about the variety of the line up. Audiences can expect an sensational mix of world-renowned icons and top quality rising stars, both local and international, young and old, and male and female. As usual we have put together a few exciting collaboration performances which promise audiences some spectacular shows,” said Rashid Lombard, festival director and CEO of espAfrika.
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival, now heading for its 13th year, is an integral part of South Africa’s cultural landscape and a highly respected global event on the international live music festival calendar. Each year the event attracts a thrilling range of the world’s leading jazz and jazz-related artists, as well as a contingent of top quality local and development acts.
“By combining top international jazz performers, with the finest local talent, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival has established itself as one of South Africa’s annual mega-musical highlights. Musical talent is vital to the success of these kinds of events, and music development programmes for the youth, such as those funded by the Western Cape Government, are the perfect platform to grow and nurture talent,” says Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape.
“Not only has The Cape Town International Jazz Festival become an iconic live music experience, but we are proud to say that it is also a significant contributor to the South African economy and tourism and entertainment industries. Last year’s event contributed R498 million to the Western Cape’s economy and created 2700 jobs,” says Billy Domingo, COO of espafrika.
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival was singled out in 2011 by President Jacob Zuma in the State of the Nation address, confirming the event’s significant contribution to local arts & culture, as well as the economy.
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is managed by leading South African event management company espAfrika. The “sold out” tag on each year’s festival, as well the consistent line up of world class acts, attest to the world class spirit and ability with which the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is staged and managed.
As part of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and espAfrika’s commitment to the sustainable development of the Music Arts industry, from musicians to production personnel, the festival provides a significant platform for development. Each year the event hosts a series of workshops aimed at transferring knowledge and skills, as well as making use of a significant contingent of students and aspiring professionals in the management and running of the event.
The festival proudly presents a series of workshops that take place at various venues throughout the CBD and greater Cape Town area over an 8 day period. This social investment component explores various elements of the jazz world and includes Arts Journalism, Music Workshops, Music Business, Master Classes as well as many other workshops. Another element of the CTIJF is the esteemed Duotone Photographic Exhibition that documents the emergence and growth of jazz globally. The Community Concert (free to all) will take place prior to the festival on the Wednesday before on 28th March 2012 on Green Market Square and is a showcase of some of the international and local acts scheduled to perform at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Ticket prices for the 2012 festival are R400 for a single day pass. A two-day weekend pass is R550. As in previous years, there will be an extra fee of R30 per act for patrons wishing to attend concerts on the Rosies stage. Tickets are available at Computicket and Shoprite-Checkers stores.
The gold sponsor for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2012 is the Department of Arts and Culture. Other sponsors include Provincial Government of the Western Cape, The City of Cape Town, Oude Meerste, Hansa Pilsner, Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Cape Town Partnership, and the Western Cape Education Department. The official broasdcast sponsor is Mzansi Magic.
“In March 2012, a world-class line up of artists will descend upon the Mother City for the 13th Cape Town International Jazz Festival. This annual event, which draws over 34000 tourists and generates an economic boost of R463m for the province, has become one of the leading tourist events on our annual calendar. More recently, it has become the stage upon which the business world meets Cape Town, a place where international deals are brokered to the sounds of jazz saxophonists. The Western Cape Government is pleased to be associated with an event of this calibre that draws artists from across the globe, and we look forward to yet another spectacular show,” says Minister Alan Winde, MEC for Finance, Economic Development & Tourism for the Western Cape.
“On behalf of the City of Cape Town, I would like to encourage Cape Town jazz lovers to support this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival. This musical celebration epitomises what this administration aims to do in building an inclusive city by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds throughout the city and rest of the country to enjoy the musical talents of local artists and renowned international superstars. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is a national treasure that’s injects over R400 million to the economy of the Western Cape and approximately R700 million to the economy of the country. The City will continue to support this festival to promote the heritage of jazz music and ensure that it continues to attract large crowds,” says Patricia De Lille, Executive Mayor of Cape Town.
For more information on this year’s event go to www.capetownjazzfest.com
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For more information, full artist biographies, photographs additional media enquiries or artist interview requests please contact:
Sarah Anderson @ Meropa Communications
+27 11 506 7316
+27 82 857 4398
saraha@meropa.co.za
John Boyd @ Meropa Communications
+27 11 506 7300
+27 84 310 9817
johnb@meropa.co.za
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Grammy award winner Esperanza Spalding belts it out at the Cape Town Jazz festival(30 Mar 2011)
I attended the Cape Town International Jazz Festival this weekend and wow, what an amazing experience.
Apart from the fact that I had a postcard view of Table Mountain from my hotel, it was also a feast of good music. Those who could not afford to buy weekend passes which cost R499 or day passes for R365 – and let’s face it, that money goes a long way towards an electricity bill or groceries – were treated to a free concert in Greenmarket Square on Wednesday.
The line-up included upcoming Cape Town band Tribe of Benjamin, Tortured Soul, The Cape Town Tribute band Hanjin and Gang of Instrumentals. With a line-up like this, who says that there is nothing worthwhile for free these days?
Tribe of Benjamin kicked off the evening with rocking jazzy electro beats which appealed to both young and old. The leader of the band, Benjamin, shared with the audience that the band was influenced by the late Robbie Jansen and they played a heartfelt tribute to the jazz veteran.
A woman next to me was so moved that she started crying. After comforting her, she told me that she was Sonya Le Grange and her son Zeke was playing the saxophone.
Cindy Blackman drums up a storm during her groups performance on Saturday night at the this years Cape Town Jazz festival. Picture Ian Landsberg
“It’s been a while since I have seen him play and seeing him on stage today is bittersweet for me.
“For years I used to go everywhere with him and made sure that he was not exploited, but I had to let him go and find his way in the world. Being a classical pianist myself, I know how playing music is like breathing and I am so proud of him,” she said.
What do Hong Kong and jazz have in common, you may ask. Well, the answer is the charismatic Hanjin. When he stepped on stage the audience was sceptical, but when he started crooning, that scepticism was replaced by joy.
He sang Fly Me to the Moon and his own version of the Beatles’ song Blackbird. With each song he had the audience hooked. If Frank Sinatra was reincarnated he would be Hanjin and he is cute.
One is often unaware of the effect of the deaths of jazz greats such as Basil “Manenberg” Coetzee,Winston Mankuku and Robbie Jansen, to mention but a few, but thanks to the Cape Town Tribute band we now know. The band played a combination of music by the jazz veterans which also included a performance by the elderly Danny Butler. Instead of the performance being a sombre affair, the audience honoured the fallen jazz heroes by jazzing the night away.
One thing that my colleagues who have attended the festival before neglected to tell me was that you run around the CTICC like a lab rat to catch as many performances as you can.
Over the two days, it was hard to choose as most of the acts that I wanted to see clashed on the schedule, but I managed to watch Dave Koz, Ivan Mazuze, Tortured Soul, Tumi and the Volume, Hanjin and Gang of Instrumentals, Earth, Wind and Fire, Gazelle, Bebe Winans, Naima McLean and a bit of Youssou N’dour.
South African-based, Mozambican-born saxophone player Ivan Mazuze is the future of jazz. His music is light and playful but still maintains the seriousness that jazz is associated with. Before you even know what is happening, your feet and body are swaying to the music.
While Dave Koz has that serious jazz element that we have come to love over the years, he played all of the favourite hits including The Dance, which he performed with Bebe Winans and nearly caused a stampede at the overcrowded Kippies stadium.
The difference between Mazuze’s and Koz’s playing of the same instrument was refreshing as it showed their versatility and origins. Unfortunately, Hanjin played the same set he did at the free concert, which was disappointing but still great.
The other disappointing thing was Gang of Instrumentals’ performance, both at the festival and the free concert. Tumi was singing off-key and it seemed like her voice was taking strain, while Mandla N’s rapping fell flat.
Bongo Riot’s reggae vocals tried to keep the performance afloat, but the conflicting sound from the instruments sank his efforts. They injected a rock influence into their set which sounded horribly wrong and furthermore confused the crowd. Maybe they should leave the experimentation out of the set next time.
Tumi and the Volume delivered a fun and breezy set and an improvisation of the TKZ song Dlala Mapantsula, which the crowd loved.
If you haven’t heard of the American live house band Tortured Soul, then you better ask somebody about them. This three-piece band does house music well and they give it personality – what’s not to love? Then there’s Gazelle and their weird costumes, especially DJ Invisible who was wearing a Sotho hat and silver mask. They were exciting to watch as you couldn’t guess what crazy antics they would pull off next.
Earth, Wind and Fire might be celebrating 40 years of being together, but their energy was dynamic. The youth in the crowd, myself included, did not know the lyrics, but no one cared – they just boogied down to the music.
The group’s bass player Verdine White needs to get rid of that weave, though. It makes him look like the creatures from the Alien versus Predator movie.
Overall, their performance was the highlight of the festival – after 40 years they still sound as they did when they rose to fame and still maintain their status of delivering soulful music.
The festival was great in terms of artists and performances, but the organisation was terrible. Most of the shows began an hour late and no explanation was given. Some artists were still struggling with sound issues which could have been sorted out well in advance.
The public relations company Chatroom which facilitated the media was rude, unapproachable and didn’t ensure that artists were there for the press conferences.
Leaving the PR disaster out, the Jazz Festival was the most memorable, worthwhile experience of my life.
By Thandiwe Jumo
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