Swiss zen-funk jazz band to rock Southern Africa.
Nik Bärtsch’s RONIN: Zen-funk jazz band will present their
new CD, LIVE, (ECM) in a tour that
includes Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Swaziland and Mozambique.
Japanese ritual music, classical sounds, architectural
space, improvisation, funk – are elements methodically, yet artistically and
harmoniously woven together by this Swiss quartet.
Formed in 2001 and led by Zurich composer and pianist, Nik
Bärtsch, Ronin has developed a strong idiosyncratic sound. With Kaspar Rast on
drums, Sha on bass/ contrabass clarinet, alto sax and Thomy Jordi on bass. Each
musician has great control and vision not only of the sounds he’s producing,
but also of the sound layers that develop in combination with other
instruments. In these layers, the instruments merge like parts in a symphonic
orchestra, while following the aesthetic vision of ritual groove music.
Ronin have a compelling stage presence and were chosen by
The Wall Street Journal as one of the six best live shows in 2011. Supported by
Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council, Ronin will take their hypnotic live
performance energy to the various venues, some of which will include workshops.
“It shows the versatility and candour of so-called modern
music which does not set its own boundaries but lines up to perhaps cross the
existing ones.” Hans-Jurgen von Osterhausen, Jazzpodium (Germany).
The Durban performance takes place on April 10 at 18h00 at The
Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, UKZN Howard College Campus. Tickets R35 (R20
pensioners/R10 students)
For more information contact 011
403 1880 or email: communications@prohelvetia.org.za
Artist link: http://www.nikbaertsch.com
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