A vibrant and
stylish show and a must for all traditional Jazz lovers. (Review by Keith
Millar)
In its 15th
year of existence the idiosyncratic Rhumbelow Theatre, situated in the
long-established suburb of Umbilo in Durban, is still churning out high quality
music shows. On this occasion it is the turn of the laid-back swing jazz combo
with the delightful name of Beat-Route.
This six piece group
is certainly a class act. They are very skilled musicians with a tight and well
balanced sound. This, along with their affable and unassuming manner, gets the
audience swinging along to their music in no time at all.
They start off with
a set of smooth jazz numbers which includes several traditional favourites. The
group’s very accomplished vocalist, Zoe Masuku, a vivacious lady with a big
smile, did great justice to songs such as I
Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Love
Makes Me Treat You The Way That I Do, Jazz
‘n’ Samba, It Don’t Mean a Thing If
You Ain’t Got That Swing and in a beautiful tribute to Natalie Cole, Unforgettable.
The leader of the group
and trumpeter, Daniel Sheldon weighed in with Sweet and Lovely, while the undoubted highlight of the first half
was the free-wheeling arrangement of Georgia
on My Mind which featured the inspirational Tom Hare on sax.
Providing the
foundation for Beat-Route is the very skilled Gerald Sloan on guitar, while the
rock-solid rhythm section is made up of Logan Byrne on double bass and Devon
Hore on drums.
For the second half
of the show Beat-Route visited New Orleans and really got the party swinging.
They showed plenty of energy and flair as they performed songs such as Down on Bourbon Street, Basin Street Blues, When the Saints Go Marching In and Ain’t Misbehavin’. We were also treated to Johnny Cash’s Ring OF Fire, The Pink Panther and Hello
Dolly.
Both Logan Byrne on
his brilliant blue double bass and Devon Hore on drums got the opportunity to
display their considerable solo skills during this set.
Beat-Route’s C’est La Vie, That’s Life Baby is a
vibrant and stylish show. It is a must for all traditional Jazz lovers, but would
also be excellent entertainment for anyone looking for an easy-going, chilled
night out listening to fabulous music played with skill and panache.
C’est la Vie, That’s Life Baby will be on again from March 11 to 13 with
Friday and Saturday performances at 20h00 and Sundays at 14h00. There will be
an extra show on March 13 at 18h30. The venue opens 90 minutes before show for
picnic dinner.
Tickets R140 (R120
pensioners and tables of eight or more). Take along food picnic baskets. A cash
bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Braais will
also be available and there is limited secure parking. Booking is essential
through Computicket or contact Roland on 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com
Posts
