John Edwards on piano rehearses together with some of the artists peforming at the John Edwards and Friends concert on June 13. From left are: Drummer Devon Van Rooyen, trumpeter Lincoln Adams, trombonist Kyle Du Preez and bassist Andrew Warneke

If you’re a music fan, don’t miss out on this year’s NMMU Jazz Extravaganza taking place on Wednesday, October 19 at the South Campus Auditorium. The concert will feature a variety of jazz ensembles made up of NMMU music department staff and students.

The concert will open with the tightly harmonized and perfectly pitched jazz vocal ensemble, #9, which is led by jazz voice lecturer Muz Sirenya. Jazz Studies lecturer and pianist John Edwards will also be performing a selection of original compositions and jazz standards with his Groovin’ High Quintet which features, amongst others, bassist Andrew Warneke, drummer Devon van Rooyen and trombonist Kyle du Preez.

The 14-piece NMMU Jazz Ensemble is another highlight of the evening. Featuring brass, woodwinds and a rhythm section, this ensemble will perform Edwards’ arrangements of works by Sonny Rollins and The Buena Vista Social Club. Original compositions by Edwards, and final year composition student, Virgil Mattras will also be performed by the ensemble.

And that’s not all. Vudu is a vocally-driven jazz quartet which features bassist Alec Mackay, drummer Christo Zondagh and vocalist Sisanda Myataza. This innovative and popular band will perform several of their new original works. There will be several special guest performances at the event, all of whom are alumni of the music department including: pianist Wesley Keet, guitarist Creshwell October, trombonist Kyle du Preez and bassist Andrew Warneke who will collaborate on a performance especially for this event.

The NMMU Jazz Extravaganza will take place on Wednesday, October 19 at the South Campus Auditorium. The show starts at 19h30, tickets will be available at the door: R20, R10 (students/pensioners).

For more information, please contact NMMU Music Department Secretary Nicky Bosman on 041 504 4235 or nicky.bosman@nmmu.ac.za

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One of Port Elizabeth’s most vibrant jazz bands, Take Note, will be keeping the crowds on their feet at the Uitenhage Town Hall during the Opening of the Market Square on December 26. The five member band from Motherwell are the resident entertainers at The Boardwalk’s News Café and Central’s Zanzibar restaurant and have hosted many corporate events. According to the band, they “aim to please with their contemporary afro jazz style.”

Manager, Thandile Petshwa, describes the band as true professionals with sensational and uncompromising sound, “We strive to offer excellent entertainment while keeping a professional and efficient service to our fans, we would like to be remembered for producing a unique sound,” says Petshwa.

Take Note was formed four years ago with some of its members being students at NMMU. The band has grown from strength to strength, sharing the stage with national and international artists such as Sliq Angel and DJ Cleo as well as WDR Jazz Band.

The evening will see the local lads performing with highly profiled Retie Pule who has performed along Dolly Rathebe, Busi Mhlongo and Steve Kekana while local poet Lelethu Mahambehlala will add to the line up.
According to their manager, the band is working on their latest album which will be released early next year. “Currently we are working very hard on completing an album which we hope to release early next year, we would like people to ‘take note’ of us,” adds Petshwa.

Don’t miss out on this music feast, on Sunday, December 26 at the Uitenhage Town Hall. Tickets available at the door for R50 and the show starts at 19h00.

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A new up and coming jazz vocalist from Mthatha, Nobuhle Dastile, has just released her 10 track debut album, entitled “Molweni Mzantsi” (Hello South Africa) which is steadily gaining popularity on local radio stations. Her official album launch is set to take place on Wednesday, December 15 at the Kopano Lounge, Mthatha.

Released in December 2009, the album features great songs such Mayoluswe, Freedom Day, Ndixolele, and Umanyano. Two songs, Molweni eMzantsi and Mayoluswe, have already enjoyed air play on Umhlobo Wenene FM. Dastile singles out track two (Mayoluswe), four (Ndixolele) and nine (UNomcondo) as her favourite jazzy melodies.

“I would like to extend my gratitude for the success and amazing sound of this album to local producer Leon Tuta,” says Dastile. “He is a brilliant bassist. Also my thanks goes to Bushy Dubazana – an inspirational saxophonist in my career.”

Hlehle, as she is affectionately known by fans says, hundreds of album copies have already been sold, but the event will be celebrating the official launch – just in time for Christmas. Other well known acts from the Eastern Cape will also be performing including Bushy Dubazana, Jazz Clan and Strikers.

Don’t miss out on the official launch of “Molweni Mzantsi” on Wednesday, December 15 at the the Kopano Lounge, Mthatha at 19h00. Cover charge is R50. Albums will be available for R70.

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The musical mastery of internationally acclaimed musician, Don Laka, will be available to Nelson Mandela Bay fans in one show on Friday, April 16, at the Boardwalk Vodacom Amphitheatre. Laka is the only South African jazz musician to achieve three platinum records and two gold records. His latest album, Poison, was inspired by the environmental plight of our planet.

“I feel this passion I feel for saving the earth has had a rejuvenating effect on me personally and my music,” says Laka. As a result, Laka refused to use the usual products in the production of the CD, eliminating 90% of the plastic generally used in production.

The 52-year-old began his musical career in 1969 at the age of 11 and made his first recording in 1972. The next few decades saw him perform alongside or produce hits with legendary South African musos such as Brenda Fassie, Sankomota, Sibongile Khumalo, Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri, Mango Groove, Johnny Clegg, Bongo Muffin and Mafikizolo. As a solo artist, Laka has shone, locally and internationally, touring the UK, the US, Canada, Austria, Russia, Chile, Cuba and Jamaica, while achieving international recognition for his music in England, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal and the US.

Laka is visiting Port Elizabeth as part of a ten-city national tour to promote his album and raise awareness of the consequences of global industrial progression.

Tickets are available at Computicket for R120 or at the door for R140. The show starts 19h30. A percentage of Laka’s total record sales will be donated to making South Africa a greener place for all.

Media Release for The Boardwalk by Siyathetha Communications
The Boardwalk: Siya Mfundisi: 041 507 7777
Siyathetha Communications: Ed Richardson: 041 582 3750/083 656 9757

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Ulagh Williams, Kyle Du Preez, Jason Humm (in hat)

CROONERS & COMPANY
The Playhouse, Uptown Theatres
25-27 March 2010 – 8 pm
Tickets: R105 from Computicket

They brought you diva Esther Miller, now the jazz continues! The Bay’s original Crooners, Ulagh Williams and the TwoTone Show Band return with a brand new installment of their Showtime Award- winning ‘Crooners’ series.

Joining musical director Ulagh Williams (piano and vocals) are, TwoTone regulars, Romy Brauteseth (Bass), Marcel Scullard (Drums), Dr Rudi Bower (Guitar) and Gareth Williams (Sax). Local crooner and trombonist Kyle Du Preez adds some smooth sounds to the mix, whilst newcomer Jason Humm (recently cast as the male lead in the Bay’s upcoming ‘High School Musical’ Production), will have audiences singing along in no time! True to form, TwoTone keeps its promise to feature new young talent, such as Alyssa van Rooyen (17) on trumpet, along with students from the TwoTone Vocal Studio, including CJ Daniell (16) and Carmen Stindt (17). Crooners’ Cameo artist and familiar face, Emma Sanan, returns on backing vocals as well as assistant producer in her capacity as TwoTone’s consultant. With young and old, blues and smooth, the new blend of faces is aptly named Crooners & Company and has all the standards to keep Crooner-regulars happy, but is also including new crooners to appeal to the younger audiences. This is the first ‘Crooners’ show of 2010.

Musical director Ulagh Williams calls this “new blood doing old jazz!”, and it is not all strictly jazz, as classy popular songs from the likes of honorary Crooners Michael Buble, Burt Bacharach and Stacey Kent are also being performed.

For last year’s ‘Crooners’ fans, there is plenty of classy jazz and sultry vocals from TwoTone’s songbird Ulagh Williams and the band. Songs from Steve Tyrell, Diana Krall, Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee and the Rat Pack will be performed. Original music by Ulagh Williams will also be featured for the first time.

In a new twist, original artworks by well-known PE artist Esme Goosen will be featured as part of the show. This event is sure to please lovers of all the arts, in a truly sophisticated blend of music and visual art. The paintings will also be available for sale.

Tickets cost R105 and are available from COMPUTICKET. Bookings are now open.

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