After a cold and wet weekend and a refreshing walk up Lions Head, what better way to end of the weekend with some inspiring warm jazz. The place, Swingers Jazz Restaurant & Pub, Sunday evening hosted by vocalist Haydn Gardner and his band. The band features Lendrick Boesak on alto saxophone, Dave Ridgeway on electric bass, Clayton September on drums and John Russel on guitar.
Their repertoire included Recorda-Me, Night And Day, East Of The Sun West Of The Moon and Sway amongst others. Besides the experienced Dave Ridgeway, who would have thought that these youngsters would grow into such a tight unit. Most of these guys are in their early twenties but it was very evident that Dave is also inspired by jamming with these cats. He did not want to end the session.
Something else that caught my attention was the newly released album, "Ungalibali" by a young Cape Town jazz group called The Little Giants. After the Haydn ensemble finished their set, the owner of the pub, Kevin played some tracks from this album. I thought it was something by Bra Hugh Masekela but when enquiring to find out who it was, was totally embarrassed by my thoughts. Watch out for The Little Giants. The Little Giants is an ever evolving group and some of these little giants have grown into musicians of note. Their influences range from Herbie Hancock, Robbie Jansen to Winston Mankunku. George, you are doing good work....
