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 

Jazz In The Craddle : Tribute To Zim Ngqawana

When the NIROX Foundation and Gallery Momo came up with the concept of jazz concerts in the outdoor amphitheater of the NIROX Sculpture Park following an intimate performance by Zim Ngqawana at Nirox's music room, there was no way of telling that the second concert would be a tribute to the man who inspired the initiative and that he would no longer be with us.

On June 2nd 2013, the spirit of Zim Ngqawana lived on, when five of South Africa's finest jazz musicians performed live in the second Jazz In The Craddle concert, themed "Tribute To Zim". The musicians were Ayanda Sikade(drums), Feya Faku(Trumpet), Herbie Tsoaeli(bass), McCoy Mrybata(Saxophone) and Nduduzo Makhathini(Keys), who have all played with the late Zim Ngqawana in the past.

The concert was preceded by an exhibition in the sculpture park, and a performance by the Young Lions Love Ensemble. The event was well-attended by people of all ages, and every ticket came with a complimentary bottle of wine. It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon : Well-behaved crowd, good wine and world-class jazz, in the Cradle of Humankind.

 

 

 

  

Herbie Tsoaeli Quartet @ Niki's Oasis, Johannesburg (Newtown)

On the warm evening of Saturday 16th February 2013 Herbie Tsoaeli and his band performed songs from his debut album African Time, and a few new compositions, to an eager audience at Niki's Oasis, one of Johannesburg's top jazz venues, in Newtown. The audience trickled into the rustic venue whilst the band was doing sound checks, but by the time the show started all the best seats were occupied.

The band wasted no time in dishing out what everyone came for, kicking off the show with an energetic and intense performance of a new composition called "Where are the majors", a song Herbie says he dedicates to the jazz legends that paved the way for him and other jazz musicians. The band played with great enthusiasm and zest throughout the show, and the effect of the energetic improvisations and solos was evident in the audience's regular cheerful applause. Bra Herbie explained the style of play as "Jazz Moya" (Jazz Spirits), which simply means playing jazz with the guidance of spirits. Below are some of the photos from the show.

Big thanks to sis'Niki and the Herbie Tsoaeli Quartet for making this post possible.  

 

The Welcome sign at Niki's Oasis.

The Herbie Tsoaeli Quartet.

Jazz Moya in full swing.

The band's possession by Jazz Spirits was unmistakable.

Herbie Tsoaeli on Bass, giving the crowd what they came for.

Ayanda Sikade on Drums.

Nduduzo Makhathini on Keys.

 Sisonke Xonti on Tenor Saxophone.

Herbie Tsoaeli.