First artists announced for Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Cape Town International Jazz Festival organisers had to wait for more than three years to be able to find space in saxophonist Wayne Shorter's busy schedule and get him to perform at Africa's Grandest Gathering. Festival director Rashid Lombard had always wanted the 77-year-old saxophonist to appear in Cape Town. "For years, it's been our wish to get Wayne Shorter to the festival. As a touring artist we could never get the time right. We are thrilled that this round this living jazz legend could make it." Shorter leads his quartet, consisting of pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade.

Brassy music that transcended categories

To join Shorter as headline acts is the 1970s' band Earth, Wind and Fire (EWF) and US saxophonist Dave Koz. Rooted in soul, funk, gospel, blues and jazz, EWF emerged as the other wing of pop music of the 1970s, a wing based on Afro-American musical sensibilities. To produce its sound, EWF members used their skills as jazz musicians to produce brassy music that transcended categories. The results were hits, such as Shining Star, Mighty Mighty, Let's Groove and Kalimba Story. Although he comes from a different period, Koz's approach is similar to that of EWF, production of well-crafted music that appeals to a wider audience.

A multifaceted artist, Koz not only plays saxophone, but runs a yearly Smooth Jazz Christmas Tour, owns a record company, promotes an annual Dave Koz & Friends Jazz Cruise and hosts a syndicated radio programme that is broadcast through smooth jazz stations across the US.

An equal split

As in previous years, there will be an equal split between African artists and those from abroad. To lead Africa's contingency is West Africa's Youssou N'dour and reigning queen of Afro-soul, Simphiwe Dana. In musical career that goes back to 1975 when he became a professional musician, N'dour has grown to be a musical ambassador of the African continent. With his voice he champions the cause of the entire continent. In many ways Dana is taking the same path. Since the launch of her 2004 debut album, Dana's contemplative voice has won her one award after the other. It has also won her a huge following locally and internationally.

Part of the African squad this year is South African-based Mozambican saxophonist and flautist Ivan Mazuze as well as up-and-coming Angolan vocalist Sandra Cordera. Cordera who fuses bossa nova with strong Afro-jazz styles, was selected last year by Radio France Internationale (RFI) as one of Africa's best 10 musicians.

Sticking to programming

Festival organisers are again sticking to programming that makes the two-day event not only memorable, but also a music show where attendees have choice that ranges from straight-ahead jazz sounds to more urban and contemporary styles. For those for more jagged chords and notes, they will have the opportunity to hear hot-blowing US trumpeter Christian Scott; Patricia Barber who is revered for her pianism and her contralto voice; and Cape Town-based guitarist, pianist, vocalist and composer Dave Ledbetter. Known for his work with groups like the energetic Truly Fully Hey Shoo Wow Band and Boereqanga, the musician leads at this year's musical extravaganza his own band, The Clearing.

Programming at the festival continues to provide a stage for younger but serious musicians. On this year's line-up is South African singer Lisa Bauer, Hong Kong-based Singaporean singer and producer Hanjin, and bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding. Spalding's latest recording weaves chamber music and jazz improvisation.

The Flames reunion

The line-up also includes nostalgic artist, US flautist Hubert Laws. In the 1970s, Laws was the No.1 flautist in Downbeat readers' poll for 10-years in a row; a position he held for seven year in the critics' poll.

Old South African band, The Flames, will also be performing. Steeped in Atlantic soul and Motown sound, before disbanding in 1970 The Flames were one of the country's top pop groups. The band was the first non-white South African group to reach the Top 20 charts of the whites-only Springbok Radio.

To provide contemporary sounds will be "lieutenants of funk, corporals of beat and renegades of rhyme", Gang of Instrumentals, the South African group that fuses electro, disco, funk, pop and African rhythms; Gazelle, and Monique Bingham whose name is synonymous with the live band Abstract Truth.

For more information go to www.capetownjazzfest.com.

Ticket prices for the 2010 festival are: R365 for a single-day pass and a two-day weekend pass is R499. As in previous years, there will be an extra fee of R25 per act for patrons wishing to attend concerts on the Rosies Stage. Tickets are available at Computicket and Shoprite-Checkers stores.