Cape Town

Cape Town Photos

29 May 2006

East Of The Sun West Of The Moon - Right Here Where The Jazz Is Happening


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....

27 May 2006

Autumn Leaves (far south west of the bamboo curtain)


Cape Town, with its Mediterranean climate is currently experiencing autumn. Us, naturals prefer to dress with warmer cloths during the autumn/winter time.Nature is however acting differently in some cases. Some trees and plants are going through a metamorphose by shedding their leaves. In the process nature produce some spectacular autumn colors.


During summer, Cape Town is the destination for many visitors. One of them is my French friend from Marseilles, Fred. When the autumn months approach, Fred heads back for France. There are some who prefers to stay permanently, like the Egyptian geese in Claremont gardens.




At this time the weather will influence our activities, but there are plenty of things to do. When I have to stay indoors, it gives me the excuse to listen or view some jazz, fusion, salsa or some other Latin or world music. Hey, strike up some John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino, The Five Corners Quintet, Jonas Gwanga, Pat Metheny, Eddie Palmierri, Shirley Horn, Alvin Dyers, Robbie Jansen, Errol Dyers, Wayne Gorbea or get into the groove with some funky Incognito.

If there is a break in the weather, take a walk up Muizenberg or Kalk Bay or go cycle in the tranquil Jonkershoek Nature Reserve in Stellenbosch.



to be continued...


"Jazz and freedom go hand in hand. That explains it. There isn't any more to add to it. If I do add to it, it gets complicated. That's something for you to think about. You think about it and dig it. You dig it..." Thelonious Monk
"Jazz and freedom go hand in hand. That explains it. There isn't any more to add to it. If I do add to it, it gets complicated. That's something for you to think about. You think about it and dig it. You dig it..." Thelonious Monk

Hamba Kahle Winston Mankunku Ngozi - Tributes

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