AFROJAZZ GROOVES AT STANDARD BANK JAZZ FESTIVAL

AfroJazz is one of the six new themes around which the Standard Bank Jazz Festival programme, taking place alongside the 38th National Arts Festival (from June 28 to July 8 in Grahamstown), is developed this year.

Morris Goldberg has played sax with Herbie Hancock, Chris McGregor and Bill Clinton, recorded on both Abdullah Ibrahim’s iconic Mannenburg album and Paul Simon’s Grammy-winning Graceland album, and is constantly called upon to play private concerts for the likes of Anthony Hopkins and Mohammed Ali. Goldberg plays his own unique celebration of South African jazz - 'Safrojazz'. His music contains infectious grooves, humming melodies, and is presented with an appealing stage presence. He performs on June 30 and July 1 with a star-studded band of South African musicians who have made their names in New York over the past two decades, including pianist Rashid Lanie, renowned bassist Chulo Gatewood, and drummer Anton Fig, made famous by his 26 years on the Late-Night Show with David Letterman, as well as performances with Miles Davis, Madonna and Eric Clapton.

Take a slice of opera, mix it with a portion of South African Township, and add pinches of Jazz, R&B and Afrikaner hymns, and you get the uniquely charming Bala Brothers. Having trained at the famous Drakensburg Choir School for Boys, brothers Zwai and Loyiso Bala make up this multi-award winning duo. Join them for an early-evening showcase of the finest Afro-fusion on July 7, and discover why they have been dubbed South Africa’s singing sensation. They will be joined by Sydney Mavundla (trumpet), James Bassingthwaighte (trombone), Michael Bester (guitar), Jaydine Baron (piano), Denny Lalouette (bass) and Rob Watson (drums).

From a young age, Ernie Smith sought to find his own unique voice and sound, and his quest has led him to a host of top awards since his first album in 2003, including three SAMA awards (Best New Comer, Best Adult Contemporary Album and Best Jazz Adult Contemporary Album), one KORA award (Most Promising Male in Africa), and a METRO award (Best Jazz Artist). Enjoy his rich vocal texture, combined with exciting musical arrangements, as he celebrates life, love and the free spirit of music on July 7. He will be joined on stage by Mark Royeppen (keyboards), Concord Nkabinde (bass), Donovan Jacob (drums), Ntokozo Mayisela (vocals), Ryan Goliath (Vocals) and guest Natalie Rungan (vocals).

With nearly two decades of experience playing South African jazz, Queenstown-born Mlungisi Gegana has carved out a successful career on the upright bass with performances on the big jazz stages of South Africa and with many of its top exponents. Having composed, arranged, performed and produced his own album, Mlungisi delivers a style of Afro-Jazz that’s “difficult to classify, but a pleasure to enjoy”. He will be on stage on July 4 with McCoy Mrubata (sax), Feya Faku (trumpet), Valentia Ferlito (piano), Justin Badenhorst (drums).

The other themes for this year’s programme are Youth, Cross-over Jazz, Gospel/World Music, Mainstream Jazz and Modern Jazz.

For more information check www.standardbankarts.co.za or www.youthjazz.co.za.

The Standard Bank Jazz Festival is presented with support funding from The French Institute / French-South African Season; SAfm; Paul Bothner Music; ProHelvetia; Royal Netherlands Embassy; * Royal Norwegian Embassy; SAMRO; Spedidam; Swedish Arts Council / Scenkonstbolaget, and the US Consulate General.

Bookings through Computicket. Booking kits are available from selected Standard Bank branches, selected Exclusive Books and Computicket branches. For more information on the programme, accommodation and travel options visit www.nationalartsfestival.co.za. Also join the National Arts Festival group on Facebook for all the latest news, or follow us on Twitter.

The National Arts Festival is sponsored by Standard Bank, The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, The Eastern Cape Government, The National Arts Council, City Press and M Net.