Kopano...Jazz Gathering

In Sotho the word "kopano" means gathering. The gathering by the jazz ensemble Kopano on Saturday 26 August 2006 in the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg was surely worthwhile and inspiring.

I could not believe it when I arrived(a few minutes late) at the concert that there was no more tickets available. Sold out jazz concert in Muizenberg? If it was not for the organiser, Ruwayda spotting me at the door, I would have missed this one and would have been very disappointed.

Kopano consists of music educator Fred Kuit(piano), Darren English(trumpet and flugelhorn), Thabo Mobo(bass), Claude Cozens(drums) and Wathiq Hoosain(vocals). Guests included John Russel(guitar), Kyle Shepherd(piano and alto sax) and the acclaimed saxophonist, Buddy Wells.

It is great to see some of the established musicians teaming up with the younger players. We need this in all walks of life to be successful.

Kopano's selection of jazz connected well with the audience and I am sure that they converted some of the people. Their selection of South African and other standards and some own compositions really touched the audience. These younger musicians' interpretation of the jazz idiom speaks of a very high standard.

Thumbs up must also go to the organiser, Ruwayda Mohamed for such a successful concert. Take the Jazz to the People.

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