Arts writer
THE Jazz in the Native Yards series once again stages a diverse programme of local acts on the Jazz Heritage Festival 2015(JINY’s) bill until September 27 at Kwa Sec, NY 138 no. 52 in Gugulethu. All gigs start at 3pm, except the event on Friday September 25, which kicks off at 6pm.
Still in its inaugural stage, the festival, supported by Concert SA and Fine Music Radio (FMR), is planned as an annual event taking place in different township venues. “September is a perfect month to celebrate all forms of jazz. It is start of spring and heritage month. We felt it was appropriate to give young and old musicians a platform to perform in an area that is easily accessible to locals and visiting jazz fans,” says Koko Kalashe one of JINY’s directors.
Tony Cedras and Errol Dyers launched the programme yesterday with Cape jazz and Khoi-San sounds. This Sunday sees a modified Tananas trio feature their improvisational and rhythmical talents. This South Africa and Mozambique liaison sees original member Steve Newman joined by Peter Ndlala (replacing late Mozambican Gito Baloi) and Carlo Fabe (replacing Ian Herman who now lives in America).
On September 20 Umlilo, young musicians from Nyanga East, give local jazz standards a fresh spin. They play anything from mbaqanga to pop and fusion. Little Giants will be the attraction on September 24. Established in 1999, under the directorship of Ezra Ngcukana and George Werner, this group of musicians aged between 15 and 20 years are from the suburbs and townships of the Cape Flats and greater Cape Town. The developed into a tightly knit unit, bonded by their shared cultural experiences. They play African jazz standards and fusion. Joining Little Giants will be G-Cleff, young jazz players from the townships and also young jazz musicians from the University of the Western Cape Centre for Performance Arts.
Tawainese ensemble Chi-pin and Kai-ya will guest with local friends on September 25 from 6pm. The ensemble infuses Western jazz elements into Taiwanese music. Their distinctive sound traverses a wide selection of styles – swing, bop, fusion, funk, tango, contemporary and Latin music interspersed with classical and traditional Taiwanese influences.
On September 27 it’s over to Johannesburg-based The Brother Moves On. The group was founded by Nkululeko Mthembu and began as an art movement mainly of graphic and fine artists who since began incorporating instrumentalists for the live performance environment. Members include Siyabonga Mthembu, Raytheon Moorvan, Ayanda Zalekile and Rob Scher on saxophone.
l All gigs: R60 at the door. Information, Luvuyo Kakaza 082 093 5369, luvuyo.pkakaza@gmail.com