The South African Jazz Experience: Marcus Wyatt's One LIfe In The Sun CD launch @ St Joseph's Heritage Home, Johannesburg (Sophiatown)

Sophiatown is not only historically rich due to the politics of the 1950’s, like the removal of black people from the suburb to Meadowlands in Soweto, under the apartheid government. It is also famous for the vibrant and unique culture that developed amongst the residents, before the removals, which included an intriguing appreciation of all forms of arts, and for producing some of South Africa’s greatest black musicians, writers, and artists. It comes as no wonder why the South African jazz trumpeter Marcus Wyatt now calls Sophiatown home, and why he chose the St Joseph's Heritage Home, at the heart of the suburb, to launch his latest album One Life In The Sun.

Although the CD launch on the 19^th of April 2013 was not part of the Sophiatown Jazz Encounter Series, a pioneering initiative by the Trevor Huddleston Memorial Centre to restore the “Old Sophiatown style entertainment and live jazz in an intimate setting”, it was nothing less than what the centre aims to achieve. The setting was very intimate, and the patrons were allowed to bring their own food and drinks.

Watching Marcus and his band performing songs from the new album, and some from the previous albums, I could not resist imagining what it was like to watch such quality live jazz in Sophiatown back in the 50’s. For me watching this world-class South African jazz show in Sophiatown was an inexplicable experience, with mixed feelings of excitement, sadness and appreciation, and you will have to experience it to understand.

On Trumpet and Flugelhorn Marcus played soothing melodies that were conversational in nature, almost like he was speaking a foreign language and yet we all understood the message. He also played some played some muted tunes, which left a warm feeling and an instant desire to get a copy of the new CD from the back of the hall, where they were sold.

Besides Marcus’ great compositions and the band’s world-class performance, there were other highlights during the performance, amongst them an enchanting “joint solo” by the two bassists, Romy Brauteseth and Amaeshi Ikechi - something I had personally never seen before. Mthunzi Mvubu on alto saxophone was captivating as always, and it was also great to finally get to watch Buddy Wells live, whom I had listened to on many South African jazz albums. Justin Badenhorst’s energetic solos were also something to take note of. A great experience overall!

Many thanks to Marcus Wyatt and his band, and Khosi Hlatswayo of the Trevor Huddleston Memorial Centre, for making this post possible. Photos from the show are included below… Enjoy!