Bob James, José James, Houston Person, Kendrick Scott and Kahil El'Zabar join SA luminaries Jonathan Butler and Sibongile Khumalo in three days of not-to-be missed performances and collaborations.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, now in its 19th year reinforces its status as South Africa's foremost jazz festival, and one of the best on the African continent, thanks to a stellar line-up of musicians from around the globe.
American jazz giant Gerald Albright and South Africa's Jonathan Butler join forces at the opening night of Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and kick-start South Africa's premier jazz festival which runs at the Sandton Convention Centre from September 15 to 17.
Renowned American musician Bob James will join the galaxy of stars at the event.
The line up includes, Grammy Award winner Bill Champlin who co-founded the legendary Bay Area band the Sons of Champlin, joins forces with four time Grammy Award winning vocalist Deniece Williams, Brenda Russell (the co-creator of the music and lyrics for the Tony Award winning Broadway hit The Color Purple) and drummer Paul Peress in collaboration called Sounds of Love.
Other big international names in the jazz world include the award winning José James, tenor saxophonist Houston Person, known for his legendary partnership with the great vocalist Etta Jones and Canadian based vocalist Ranee Lee.
South African greats billed for this year's edition, are legends Barney Rachabane, Sibongile Khumalo, 2015 Grammy Award winning Flautist Wouter Kellerman; The Voice South Africa coach Lira and perennial favourites Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse and Ringo.
There are some exciting collaborations at this year's Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
The Graz Roots Project celebrates past South African composers and musicians who gave future generations the sound of mbaqanga, mgqashiyo, maskandi and African jazz and features a powerhouse of musicians including Billy Monama, Concord Nkabinde, McCoy Mrubata, Lwanda Gogwana, Mduduzi Mtshali, Paki Peloeole and Themba Mokoena.
The inimitable firebrand percussionist and leader of the legendary Ritual Trio, KahilEl'Zabar brings an outfit that features jazz tenor saxophonist Teodross Avery and the vocalist Dwight Tribble. His music is as intense as it is swinging.
Senegalese bass player and vocalist Alune Wade brings the Havana-Paris-Dakar project to this year's festival.
US born vocalist Deborah J Carter teams up with Paul van Kessel from The Netherlands for New York Round Midnight which involves a rhythm section, horns, and vocalists from the cream of the Dutch jazz scene to take listeners back to the heyday of jazz in the 50s and 60s. Trumpeter Feya Faku presents The Swiss Unit Project- featuring music from his album Le Ngoma (The Song) - with Swiss musicians Domenic Landolf (tenor sax, alto flute), Jean-Paul Brodbeck (piano), Fabian Gisler (acoustic bass) and Dominic Egli (drums). The concept includes tribute songs such as : Miss Benjamin ( for Sathima Bee) and Dirge (for Zim Ngqawana): “I created this concept to celebrate legends that came before me. I am what I am because of them. My quest is to recognise them and keep them alive,” he says.
The star-studded line-up will also feature the Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year for Jazz Siya Makuzeni; Nonfunda Xaluva; America's Kendrick Scott; Max-Hoba; Israel's Ester Rada; Lindiwe Maxolo; Mozambique's Moreira Chonguica; Judith Sephuma; Ntjam Rosie accompanied by the Dutch All Stars Orchestra in a programme titled Jazz Roots, the Music Academy of Gauteng and the National Youth Jazz Band.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre, three days four stages - Dinaledi, Conga, Mbira and Diphala and Thirty Eight perfomances. Event executive producer Peter Tladi of T-Musicman is delighted with this year's artists: “As festival promoters we spend a great deal of time searching for artists who will appeal to a broad base of music fans. We want to present a diverse range of jazz styles inclusive of the giants of jazz and the upcoming young lions. There is something for everyone with this year's line-up which is truly international and inspirational.”
“We once again look forward to celebrating a rich and warm blend of African and international jazz in the heart of Johannesburg, bringing jazz lovers together in a truly united and global celebration of jazz and its heritage.” said Jenny Pheiffer, Executive Head, Group Brand and Sponsorship at Standard Bank Group.
Tickets are on sale at Computicket. A one-day pass costs R750 with a two-day pass at R1250.
Discounted tickets are available for all Standard Bank card holders. Terms and conditions apply.
Adapted from Press Release