The return of Jazz Nights @ Bassline, Newtown

Bassline first opened its doors as a live music venue in 1994, providing platform for South Africa’s finest jazz acts to showcase their craft, in the Melville suburb (Johannesburg). The venue then closed down in 2003 and was re-opened in 2004 in the arts and cultural precint of Newtown.

This year Bassline celebrates its 20^th anniversary at their renovated Newtown venue, with some of the décor taken from the original venue in Melville. What caught my eye was the innovative drum-kit chandelier in the centre of the room, and the general décor on the walls, which add to the magic once the lights are dimmed and the music starts.

As part of their celebrations, Bassline will be running a series of jazz performances for the next six weeks, with a stellar line-up of artists who polished their craft on the old Bassline stage over the years. The series kicked off with master bassist Herbie Tsoaeli and his African Time Quartet on the 25^th of July, and will feature Paul Hanmer, Musa Manzini, Tlale Makhene, McCoy Mrubata and Lucas Senyatso, in the subsequent 5 weeks.

For more details on the series, and other shows at Bassline, you ca visit their website : http://www.bassline.co.za

 

African Time Quartet on the end of the opening night of the Red Hot Jazz Nights

 

Talented pianist, Nduduzo Makhathini