T-Musicman's premier festival 'Jazz by the River' is once again set to rival the thunderous sounds of the Vaal River by affording jazz lovers the chance of savouring only the finest the genre has to offer.
In its 20th year of mesmerising loyal audiences, the musical feast takes place on September 30 at Dickinson Park, Mario Milani Road, Peacehaven Industrial, Vereeniging.
Thousands of single-minded Gauteng jazz aficionados will make the trek to the banks of the Vaal River where they will be bold over by the impeccable expertise of world-class virtuosos, who can always be counted on to elevate the bar at any musical gathering. In addition, Jazz on the River affords attendees the chance to be part of a genre that has, over decades, fostered social cohesion, an attribute that has proven its value to the entire country.
"Jazz by the River will continue where 2008's premier event left off. The bright star that is Gerald Albright, composer extraordinaire Andy Narell, local artists that are carving impressive careers such Kabomo, Wanda Baloyi and an individual who epitomises innovation and longevity, Selaelo Selota will ensure that Jazz by the River will be on everyone's tongues for a long time to come," says Peter Tladi, Chief Executive Officer of T-Musicman.
With more than one million album sales and internationally-acclaimed offerings such as his debut Just Between Us, Groovology and the genre-defining Pushing The Envelope (all of which are remarkably self-produced), American jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright will headline an inspiring line-up that will leave an indelible impression on the thousands of jazz fanatics that are expected to congregate in the Vaal.
The multi-instrumentalist will blow his fans away as he demonstrates just how musical he is when he serenades the crowd on his bass guitar, keyboard, flute, drums and vocals on global hits such as Ain't No Stopping, To The Max and the ever-adored 4 On The Floor. The musical master has worked extensively with The Temptations, Anita Baker and Ray Parker. Albright has also toured with iconic names that include Quincy Jones and Phil Collins, but South Africans will be thrilled to learn that he has also teamed up with our very own Jonathan Butler and Hugh Masekela.
Concluding Heritage Month, On September 30 the Vaal River will not be the only source of calming sounds, as Albright's charged performance will be complemented by the exhilarating composer and musician, Andy Narell (who will also conduct valuable workshops). The New Yorker is credited with being one of the most respected steel pan specialists; having put together enviable albums such as Hidden Treasure, Fire in the Engine Room, and the 2001 DVD recording, Live In South Africa. Narell will infect the Vereeniging air with his artistic take on jazz music and experience garnered from playing with the likes of the Caribbean Jazz Project and Sakesho.
And as part of Heritage Month, the Jazz by the River Festival boasts an unprecedented line-up of local artists whose live performances are sure to cause waves on the usually calm Vaal River. And in continuing with the spirit of ubuntu, the festival is set to create employment opportunities for a number of Vaal residents.
Selaelo Selota is one of the most prolific Afro jazz artists of his generation, having penned chart-topping offerings such as Painted Faces and Enchanted Gardens. He is well-known for being a creative mastermind and this has over the years resulted in established musicians such as Judith Sephuma and Sasha Sonnbichler being more than willing to be at his side to produce memorable tracks.
The Jazz by the River Festival is also proud to unleash the unmistakable voice of everyone's favourite jazz vocalist, Wanda Baloyi. The songstress' first album, Colourful, touched the lives of those who heard her honeyed vocals, as she set to take over the Afro jazz scene. She also worked with the multiple award-winning guitarist Jimmy Dludlu on her project Voices. Jazz by the River is yet another stage that she will utilise to demonstrate her musical prowess.
As part of TMusicman's Jazz by the River Festival, Vereeniging's Dickinson Park will welcome the uber-talented darling of the soulful music industry, Kabomo. After soaking up as much knowledge behind-the-scenes about an industry he cannot get enough of, the entertainer released his first album All Things Grey that saw him firmly position himself as a contender for a number of awards. He made such an impact that he was requested to warm up stages for international headliners that include Louie Vega, Bilal and Angelique Kidjo.
The energy that will resonate on stage is just one of the elements that will draw the crowds to Vereeniging, as the region is known for its breathtaking natural beauty which is highlighted by the Vaal River. T-Musicman will also use the annual Jazz by the River Festival to promote up and coming developmental bands who will have the opportunity to strut their stuff in front of a welcoming crowd.
Date: 30 September 2012
Time: 12:00 - 17:00
Venue: Dickinson Park, Vereeniging
Cost: R200 @computicket and R250 by the gate
More info: Dickinson Park, Mario Milani Road, Peacehaven Industrial, and Vereeniging
