Baenz Oester and The Rainmakers - workshop

With their languid original jazz compositions, African polyrhythms, seductive and funky blues, obscure Swiss and Bulgarian folk tunes and blinding improvisation, the band that describes themselves as playing " music of intention" are a must see.

Having completed Swiss tours in 2012 and 2014 and their first South African tour in June 2014, the group is uniting again to take share their music with their growing legion of fans. Baenz, on double bass, is one of Europe's leading jazz-bassists, and will be joined by South African jazz piano impresario, Afrika Mkhize and drummer du jour, Ayanda Sikade. Afrika's amazingly lithe playing is a constant joy, mesmerising and tantalising all at once, while Ayanda amuses and seduces with each musical moment. From the Swiss camp, Ganesh Geymeier, on saxophone, has a style that is full of emotional fire yet features a delicate spaciousness. Baenz and the Rainmakers' sound carry a weight of emotion and wonderment and will accompany listeners into a spiritual musical dimension.

For a full tour schedule visit rainmakers.info

More about the musicians:
Baenz Oester
Bandleader Bänz Oester has been active in the Swiss, international and improvised jazz music scene since the early eighties, either on his own or as part of collective groups and has contributed on numerous projects. Currently he is playing with his Quartet, The Rainmakers, with the WHO-Trio including Gerry Hemingway and Michel Wintsch, in Duo with Vocal artist Andreas Schaerer, and as sideman with Donat Fisch Trio/Quartet, Marcus Wyatt Quartet and others.

Ganesh Geymeier
Tenor saxophone player Ganesh Geymeier is living in Vevey, Switzerland. He is one of the most popular Swiss sax players of the young generation. He is member of the collective group „Holunderblüten" and is also playing with numerous Swiss and French musicians such as Matthieu Michel, Marc Méan, Emil Spanyi, Marcel Papaux, Malcolm Braff, Pierre Audetat, François Jeanneau, Glenn Ferris, Joe Quitzke, Sylvia Versini and others.

Afrika Mkhize
South African pianist Afrika Mkhize is currently living in Johannesburg. His distinctive piano-playing has cemented his reputation in South Africa and abroad and he is also a versatile producer and musical director. He has worked with many notable South African, African, French and American artists, including the role of band leader and musical director for the legendary Miriam Makeba Band.

Ayanda Sikade
Drummer Ayanda Sikade is currently living in Johannesburg. His in demand playing with many famous South-African musicians such as Feya Faku, Bheki Mseleku, Robbie Jansen, Barney Rachabane, Darius Brubeck and many others. He was also member of legendary saxophonist Zim Ngqawana's band.

For all artist interview enquiries and high resolution photos, please contact JT Comms on az.oc.smmoctj@aidem or call us on 0119787622

Date: 30 March 2015
Time: 15:30 - 18:30
Venue: The Jazzy Rainbow, Durban
Cost: R40

More info:

93 Smiso Nkwanyana (ex Goble Road)
Morningside, Durban
4000