August 24, 2007
By Lesego Madumo
STIRRING concerts jam-packed with surprises and romance have been promised by the artists and sponsors of this year's Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival.
The decade-old festival was kick started by Miriam Makeba on Thursday, 23 August at the Jazz Dome, specifically established in Newtown on Mary Fitzgerald Square. Joy of Jazz will run until Saturday, 25 August.
Introducing the Joy of Jazz: members of the Count Basie Orchestra, John Williams, director Bill Hughes and Scotty Barnhart, with trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis
Eight venues around the city's cultural precinct are taking part, including a specially designed Mbira Stage erected on Mary Fitzgerald Square. Venues such as Bassline, the Dance Factory and the Jazz Dome – among others – are already sold out for the duration.
Speaking at a press conference at the Market Theatre ahead of the festival, husky-voiced George Duke of the Clarke/Duke Project explained the band's music: "We will play funk, electric, and acoustic [while] we take you on a fantasy journey to the world of music."
He said spectators should expect a world-class performance from the duo.
Local singers
Some of the divine singers on the bill include Dorothy Masuka and Letta Mbulu, who will be joined by Siphokazi and Nombulelo Maqetuka. Unfortunately, ill health has caused the legendary Thandie Klaasen to cancel her appearance. Wishing Klaasen a speedy recovery, Peter Tladi of T Musicman, one of the festival's promoters said. "We were looking forward to having Thandie at the show as she forms part of the divas."
T-Musicman will foot Klaasen's medical bill.
Klaasen's place will be taken by Gloria Bosman, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Young Artist of the Year in 2006. Bosman – who will sing a song in tribute to Klaasen – has been earmarked to perform at Bassline on Friday, 24 August, alongside the Count Basie Orchestra and No Jazz.
Harmonising the contemporary jazz line-up is Afro-soul singer Siphokazi, Nokukhanya Dlamini, Nombulelo Maqetuka and saxophonist Shannon Mowday. Sello Galane, Ray Phiri, Caiphus Semenya, Jonas Gwangwa, Stimela and Sipho Mabuse join the all-star festival.
The international line-up reads like a who's who of the jazz world. It includes superstars such as the Clarke/Duke Project, with bassist Stanley Clarke and pianist George Duke; trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis from the feted Marsalis family of New Orleans; acclaimed fusion jazz band Pieces of a Dream; Israel's Common Bond; and France's No Jazz.
Festival highlight
But the highlight of the festival will be the performance by the world-renowned 72 year-old Count Basie Orchestra. The winners of 17 Grammy Awards, it is the first American big band to play in South Africa in 30 years.
R 'n B superstar KEM is also on the bill, performing alongside the Moreira Project and Nigerian Afro-jazz guitarist, singer and composer Kúnlé on the Mbira Stage.
The festival is supported by the City of Johannesburg's department of arts, culture and heritage services; the Gauteng provincial government; Gauteng Tourism and Audi motor manufacturers; and is sponsored by Standard Bank and T-Musicman.
Joburg will provide its services to the festival through the metro police, Johannesburg Roads Agency and the emergency management services.
Entrance to concerts at Shivava, Sophiatown, and Nikki's Oasis are free; these feature development bands like Julia Lamberti and Signature, the Vusi Mahlasela Music School, TUT Music School and Black Mok.
Workshops
Free workshops are being conducted throughout the festival, designed to teach youngsters and other musicians the intricacies of jazz. "The information and knowledge that these musical giants share during the workshops goes a long way in affirming and mentoring young South African musicians and hopefully will see to the success of the industry in years to come," said Mandie van der Spuy, the head of jazz and arts at that bank.
All aboard for the acclaimed Clark/Duke Project: Stanley Clarke and George Duke prepare to take the audience at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz on a fabulous musical ride
Veteran journalism trainer, music writer and author Gwen Ansell is also offering a practical workshop themed The lady porcupine writing course, hosted at the Gauteng Tourism Authority's' offices in Newtown. It will run until Friday, 24 August and is dedicated to women art writers.
The course costs R1 500 and covers all teaching and materials. Fifteen scholarships will be awarded to female candidates who meet the course entry requirements.
For more information about the workshops call Mojalefa at T-Musicman on 011 326 0141 or email him on ar@tmusicman.co.za.
The annual Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival runs until Saturday, 25 August. Tickets range from R280 to R380 and are available at Computicket outlets, on 083 915 8000 or through the Computicket website.
For more information on the line-up and venues, go to the Standard Bank Jazz website or the T-Musicman website.
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