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Sunday, August 9, 2015

COMMON GROUND WITH ROSSI & DUIGAN



(Mike Rossi who will perform with Christopher Duigan)

Music Revival presents a unique crossover concert in Pietermaritzburg with Mike Rossi (tenor and alto sax, flute) and Christopher Duigan (piano), at Casa Mexicana (35 Montgomery Drive) to be repeated at the Tatham Art Gallery on August 15 and 16 respectively..

Titled Common Ground, this unique combination of material from the American Songbook, jazz standards and originals, offers both musicians a chance to explore and find common ground in a collaborative enterprise.

US-born Mike Rossi, the first Doctoral graduate in Jazz Studies at the New England Conservatory is one of the most phenomenal and skilled jazz players resident in South Africa. He is in demand nationwide at major festivals and internationally. Regular appearances with Darius Brubeck in a piano-sax duo and also the Brubeck Quartet have brought him to Pietermaritzburg more than once. He now teams up with classical pianist Christopher Duigan in a varied selection that includes their take on  Stardust, These Foolish Things, Chick Corea's Spain, numbers from Ellington and Jobim, plus selections of Duigan's own original material for saxophone and piano.

Christopher Duigan comments: "I first saw Mike Rossi play when I was a first-year student at Music School in Durban at University of Natal in 1987 when he was a visiting Fulbright scholar. His intense playing, virtuosity and the touch of 'showbiz' he brought to the stage was hugely appealing. I am incredibly honoured, and thrilled, that after a recent performance at the Tatham where I joined Rossi and Darius Brubeck on stage in a short guest appearance at the piano, that Mike suggested we try a collaboration. As a classical musician, I have always had an interest in various musics and in recent years have explored some of these on stage. Mike is a 'jazz-man' through and through but obviously has classical element, understanding and technique to his playing - hence the title Common Ground." 

Common Ground’s first performance is on August 15 at 19h30 at 35 Montgomery Drive, Athlone, in Pietermaritzburg. Tickets R150 includes the concert and light meal, available from 18h30 (Concert only tickets R100). Remember to bring your own wine. There is safe parking.

The second Common Ground concert takes place on August 16 at 11h30 at the Tatham Art Gallery, opposite the Pietermaritzburg City Hall. Tickets R80.

Booking for both concerts is essential through Music Revival on 033 342 3051, sms 083 417 4473 or email booking@musicrevival.co.za There is secure parking at both venues.