"The best things in life are free." So, the saying goes. But I can honestly tell you that in this case it is true. If you do not believe me come see for yourself.
The occasion: The Monday Night Jazz Jam Session.
The venue: Swingers Jazz Pub & Restaurant, 1 Wetwyn Road, Wetton, Cape Town. call +27 21 7622443
Entry: Free
Every Monday at just after 21:00 this venue dishes up some of the best jazz. Led by guitarist Alvin Dyers, this is one jam that should not be missed by any music lover. The Monday night jazz jam has become a regular institution for many jazz lovers and musicians alike.
Normally the jam starts with the resident band led by Alvin Dyers. After the first set one never knows what is going to happen but it always end up in some unexpected magic. Besides the resident band one never know who is going to turn up. It can be anybody, whether local cabinet members, established local musicians, like Hilton Schilder, Errol Dyers, Jimmy Dludlu, Emily Bruce, Robbie Jansen, Mac Mckenzie, Winston Mankunku Ngozi,Kesivan Naidoo, Basil Moses, Harold Japhta or upcoming younger lions like Jonathan Rubain, Shaun Johannes, John Russel, Chris Engel, Kyle Shepherd, Clayton September, Darren English or international established musicians like Stefon Harris, Joe Sample, Jeannie Bryson, John Funkhouser,Gary Wittner or music academics like professor Hotep Idris Galeta or professor Richard Nelson from USA or numbers of Scandinavian musicians.
The magic of the Monday night jam also seems to leave a big impression on vistors because when you ask certain people how they know about the place, they reply that they heard about it from previous visitors. The jam also also results in friendship that bridges beyond the music with some overseas visitors returning to Cape Town on a regular basis. Names I can remember which resulted into friendships include Fred Salles (France), Sahrin Rezai (Germany), Nina Henger (Germany) and Richard Nelson (United States Of America).
One of the positive aspects of the jam is that it serves as a platform where young and upcoming jazz musicians(including music students) can grow their confidence. Often established musicians like Darryl Andrews, Alvin Dyers, Errol Dyers and
Robbie Jansen will lift these younger musicians' spirits and confidence by joining them in the jam.
Thanks must also go to the owner of the place, Kevin Harris, because if you are not a music lover a jam like this one will not last for so many years.
If you have not been there, whether you are a jazz lover or musician, the invitation is open...
Gary, thank you for gracing our shores. It seems like Richard Nelson is spreading the word about the jazz scene in Cape Town. We are looking forward to see the whole Aardvark Jazz Orchestra here one day.
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2 comments:
Let me know if you have difficulty in finding the place.
Hi Greg,
Finally got to see the blog, its fantastic and really gives our jazz some great publicity. As pastor of the monday night fellowship, its always a pleasure getting up front and trying to keep some semblance of harmony going throughout the evening, but when you hear the results its all worth it.
Cheers
Gary
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