WCMA Benevolent Fund Launch

The WCMA(Western Cape Musicians Ascociation) is having a Benevolent Fund Launch.

Artists Live on Stage:
Virtual Jazz Reality
Tucan Tucan
Carla Diamond
Carmen Exclusive
Take Note
Janine Anthony
Heinrich Frans
Jy7even & Brandon Florus
Elise Fernandez
Q-Rock & Spike
Emile YX?
Drie Manskap
Blackcurrent
DEVO

Please note that these musicians are performing for FREE
For more info, please contact Kirsten Francis or Brad Van Sitters at 021 4217643/021 4257680

Venue: Generations Cafe(The G-Spot)
Address: Shop 8/9, Viking Business Park, Showgrounds Avenue, Epping Industria
Date: 28 January 2008
Time: 9pm till late
Donation: R20 or more

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Last Set - The Monday Night Jazz Jam

You can call it musical chairs or the early morning jazz wake up, but many times, this last set brings out the best in the musicians. Such was the case at the Monday Night Jazz Jam on Monday, 21 January 2008. Although it was already early morning Tuesday, the hardcore jazz lovers were thoroughly enjoying it.


The musicians that played musical chairs for this set included John Russell, Claude Cozens, Darren English, Kyle Shepherd, Mark Fransman and a visiting American vocalist/guitarist. Music educator/pianist, Fred Kuit also joined in with these guys.

Some of these guys are jacks of all trades and masters of all when they switch between instruments.

What is also very encouraging is that these musicians include an extensive content of South African jazz in their music. Amongst the tunes they covered were "Ntylo Ntylo" and Moses Molelekwa's "Mountain Shade". Marks influence had a big impact. I am looking forward to see Mark playing in a concert setting with these guys.

This set can now truely be dubbed "The Musicians Set".

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Hotep's "The Roots of Jazz in South Africa"

This article, written by piano player and jazz educator, prof. Hotep Idris Galeta, was published in July 2005 on the site http://www.whatchusay.com/. It is excellent introduction to jazz in South Africa. The article is available here.

Also check out the article, "The Development of Jazz in South Africa" by Hotep at All About Jazz.

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Please, Don't Make a Mockery of Our Hard Earned Democracy

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Bob Sinicrope - Bassist, Jazz Educator.

SAJE member and jazz lover Carol Martin, pointed this article out. It is an interview with jazz bassist and educator Bob Sinicrope. I remember seeing Bob playing at a previous SAJE conference in Cape Town. The article is here.

Also check out the previous editions of the JazzEd Magazine. They have some interesting interviews and aricles.

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Hanepoot and the Biggish Band at the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre

Hanepoot & the Biggish Band will be starting the year off on a high note :-) this Sunday, 20 January 2008, at one of the Western Cape's top venues, the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre in Stellenbosch..

Known as the "theatre in the winelands" it is sheltered by graceful trees, not only in the surrounding gardens, but also on the stage - imparting a magical air to music, theatre and dance performances.

The auditorium forms a quarter circle almost touching the stage, ensuring excellent acoustics and a unique intimacy with the music. You're also encouraged to bring a picnic basket and to have your supper on the beautiful lawn surrounding the theatre before the concert starts.

The Biggish Band is an 18-piece Big Band led by trombonist Jannie 'Hanepoot' van Tonder and plays only South African big band jazz .

On Sunday we'll be performing one long set including some of our original tunes by Mertyn Barrow, Douglas Armstrong, Jannie 'Hanepoot' van Tonder, and some of our arrangements of lesser-known South African standards by Errol Dyers, Dudu Pukwana, Zakes Nkosi and Dollar Brand.

Tickets are R90, R80 or R70, or R30 for adults/R20 for children on the lawn (these tickets only available on the day. Doors open from 3pm. Music from 6pm to 7.30pm. Ample free, secure parking available. Book at Computicket or by phoning 021-809 7473

More info at http://www.oudelibertas.co.za

To get there on the N2 from Cape Town: take the Stellenbosch/Baden Powell Avenue turn off (R310) heading towards Stellenbosch. Turn right at T-junction after Spier. At the first traffic light - Distell on your right, Oude Libertas Amphitheatre on your left.

To get there on the N1 from Cape Town: take the Stellenbosch/Klipheuwel/Tygerberg Zoo turn off (R304) heading towards Stellenbosch. Turn right into Adam Tas Rd (R310), and continue past the Stellenbosch railway station on your right. At the second traffic light after the station turn right into Oude Libertas Street. The Oude Libertas Amphitheatre is on your right.

The Biggish Band:
Saxes: Storm de Klerk, John Ntshibilikwana, Chris Tokalon, Fred Block, Nick Green
Trumpets: Charlie Heyes, Douglas Armstrong, Daniel Kaplan, Stuart Bowen, Dean Manuel
Trombones: Jasper Cook, Andrew O'Donoghue, Mike Nixon, Jeremy Thurgood
Rhythm (gt, pno, bs, dms, perc): Colin Miller, George Werner, Sidney McKinnon, Ted Frazer

Hanepoot & the Biggish Band new CD 'Salt & Vinegar' available online NOW here at www.jazz.co.za!

press release online at http://www.jazz.co.za/hbb/pressreleases/080115.htm

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Live Jazz Recording

Be part of an event extraordinaire:
Live recording of "Summer in Cape Town, Volume One" and launch of "Winter in Cape Town, Volume One"

The next step of a long-term project to bring South African Music to the rest of the world and to raise support for the Children 's Resource Center (CRC)
Happening @ Newscafé, Artscape Center
20 January 2008, 3 p.m. till 8 p.m.
with bands "Little Giants", "Gramadoelas" and "Perfect Way", vocalists Erin Clarke, Soi Soi Gqeza, Leslie Joste, Erika Lundi, Zami Mdimgi and Titi Tsira, pianist George Werner, Hammond organist Andreas Wellmann, bassists Peter Ndlala and Wesley Rustin ,
drummers Carlo Fabe and Denver Furness , guitarist James Kibby, trumpeter Alex van Heerden and our very special guest Robbie Jansen on vocals, saxophone and flute

Also expect a light "Summer in Cape Town" Menu
Booking essential (no cover charge): 021 421-1425
For more details call Jazz Potjie Projects : 021 426-1093

And: bring your kids, a kindergarten initiative will take care

Please note that "Winter in Cape Town, Volume One" is available in Germany from the following website: http://www.paso-africa-shop.com/product_info.php?products_id=295

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John Russel at Fogeys

John Russell, guitar, Erin Clark, vocals and bass legend Basil Moses are playing classic swinging and Latin Jazz at from 1:00pm on the 20th of January at Fogeys Railway House, Muizenberg. Great food, great atmosphere!! For more info call 021 788 3252.

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"Malay Tone Poem" Comes Alive Twice

The album "Malay Tone Poem" by pianist Hotep Idris Galeta was released in 2002. The title track from the album, is one of those tunes, once heard, you never forget the tune.


Why it took me six years to hear a live performance of this tune, I do not know. This weekend I struck luck and heard it performed twice.

The first performance was on Friday, 11 January 2008 at the Nasseau in Newlands. As Hotep, who teaches at the University of Fort Hare, was in Cape Town for a few days, his lifetime friend, Robert "Robbie" Jansen approached Glenn Robertson to organise a concert.

The first half of the concert featured Glenn Robertson and his band.


If you are a true jazz lover, the second half was one of those performances not to be missed. This set featured Robbie on saxophone, flute, vocals, Hotep on keyboards, Spencer Mbadu on bass, Allou April on guitar, Jack Momple on drums and Daniel Bloem on percussion. The ensemble was called "The Robert Jansen Band". This was an excellent choice of musicians. Glenn Robertson also joined them on vocals for a few tunes.

Tunes performed included some the finest South African jazz.

The other performance of "Malay Tone Poem" was at Jazzathon 2008.

Hotep, I am looking forward to a live performance of "Rendezvous In Congo Square".

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Jazzathon 2008

The Little Giants

The Jonathan Rubain Band

Alvin Dyers Trio featuring Emily Bruce

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Concert at the Nassau

The following artists will appear LIVE IN CONCERT on FRIDAY, 11 JANUARY 2008 AND SATURDAY, 12 JANUARY 2008 at 6.30pm for 7pm at the Nassau Auditorium, Palmyra Road, Newlands.

THE ROBERT JANSEN BAND featuring HOTEP GALETA (keyboards), ALLOU APRIL(guitar), JACK MOMPLE(drums) & SPENCER MBADU(bass)

THE GLENN ROBERTSON JAZZ BAND

SARAH KAISER (Gospel, soul and jazz vocalist) from BERLIN making a guest appearance

Donation: R50 per person.

Drinks will be served from 6.30pm.

For more information: Contact Petro on 072 601 2848

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Jazzathon 2008 Program

The annual Jazzathon music festival at the V & A Waterfront is happening from 10 January 2008 until 13 January 2008.

Jazzathon 2008 Program
DAY 1- Thursday, 10 JAN, 08 - AMPHITHEATRE
13h00 Darryl Andrews
14h30 Little Giants
16h30 Julius Schultz
18h30 Shannon Mowday
20h30 The Rockets

DAY 2- Friday, 11 JAN, 08 - AMPHITHEATRE
13h00 Jonathan Rubain
14h30 Sistahood featuring Celeste Williams
16h30 Cape Town Jazz Orchestra
18h30 Tucan Tucan
20h30 Claire Phillips

DAY 3- Saturday, 12 JAN, 08 - AMPHITHEATRE
13h00 Chad Lawrence
14h30 Camillo Lombard
16h30 Alvin Dyers featuring Emily Bruce
18h30 Sammy Webber
20h30 Allou April

DAY 4- Sunday, 13 JAN, 08 - AMPHITHEATRE
13h00 Peter Ndlala
15h00 Kunjalo
17h00 VJR
19h00 Home for All Band

Jazzathon 2008 T-Shirts on Sale @ both stages @ R80 each

NB! AFTERPARTY every night at Manenberg’s Café, Jazz jam featuring the best Cape Town Music – R50 cc

Please note that the program is subject to change.
Heart 104.9FM wil do regular updates or visit the Jazzathon website.
Program can be downloaded from here.

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"Music of the Cape Flats"

Check out Garlyn's excellent blog on the Cape Minstrels: "Music of the Cape Flats"

She is also a great photographer. Her flickr link is here.

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December 2007

Whatever you do this summer, don't let us untimely end up like this. We do favour it this way sometimes, but let nature decide or let it be done in a controlled manner. Smoke in a controlled area and kill that cancer stick once done.

The trip with the cable car up Table Mountain is really worth it. Ask this lad. He approved it.

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Generations Cafe Presents a Mega Jam

On Monday 7 January 2008, The Generations Cafe will present a jam featuring Allou April, Frank Paco, Sammy Webber, Robbie Jansen, Richard Ceasar, Heinrich Frans and more.

The musicians will perform songs from the albums For The Luv of Jazz, G Spot Grooves, Richard Ceasar's album and Sammy Webber's album.

For more details contact:
The Generations Cafe
Tel: 021 535 1973
Email: gencafe@mweb.co.za
http://the-gspot.co.za/

Address:
Viking Business Park, Showgrounds Ave, Epping Industria

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Starting a Jazz CD Collection???

Starting a jazz CD collection can be confusing. Where do you start? What genres of jazz do you include in your collection to cover the whole spectrum? What are the most important recordings?

It can become very expensive to obtain the original albums containing particular tracks. This is where Best Of ... or collections can be more practical.

Locally a new series of recordings have been released by Sony/BMG. It is called the JAZZ PROFILES series. Currently the series includes:
Columbia Jazz Profile George Benson
Columbia Jazz Profile Dave Brubeck
Columbia Jazz Profile Charles Mingus
Columbia Jazz profile Sarah Vaughan
RCA Jazz Profile Sonny Rollins

I have acquired the George Benson and Charles Mingus titles and must comment that this series is a good start to jazz newbies.

They are available from Musica and Kalahari.net.

I just hope more jazz artists will be added to the series.

Where will you start and what will you include?

Which South African jazz recordings should be in your collection?

links:
How to Start a Jazz CD Collection
Where To Begin
Top 100 Jazz CDs
Jazz New Breed Top 100
So you'd like to... begin a Jazz CD collection

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Abdullah Ibrahim Solo Piano Concerts

Jazz pianist, Abdullah Ibrahim, will present a seies of solo piano concerts in Cape Town.
Venue: M7 Jazz Centre, 104 Darling Street, Cape Town
Dates: 11 - 27 January 2008
Time: 20:30

Enquiries: 021 465 6261
Tickets: Computicket 083 915 8000

website: http://www.abdullahibrahim.com/

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