It's great to be back home after a stint in Oudtshoorn for the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival, but I was not prepared for the sadness that was waiting for me back home.
At the time of going to press, our brother Robbie Jansen is still in a critical condition in Tygerberg Hospital. In my absence, my colleague Zenzile Khoisan has been telling the world about these matters as well as commenting on the disappointing care of our musicians who played such a big part in the struggle. I don't want to go on about it, but it's been a thorn in my side for a long time as well.
Let's hope somebody in authority does something positive about it in the near future; there are lots of legends out there still waiting for their time in the spotlight.
The other cause for my sadness is also the death of musician extraordinaire Roy Petersen, who died in Durban last week.
Here is another unsung hero of South African jazz who really deserved wider recognition in his lifetime, especially once the "new" South Africa got into full swing.
I only had the opportunity of seeing and hearing this pianist - who was just as accomplished on drums and a variety of other instruments - in action on two occasions, but both of those times reminded me of what a great legacy of musicians we have in this country.
Before these experiences, there were always the whisperings about the legend, and most of these whisperings came from some of the most respected cats around town, and when you heard Petersen play there was no doubt about his genius.
One of the last times that I heard him was at Sun City a few years ago, when he was playing solo piano in one of the lounges at the resort.
He was supposed to be tinkling away in the background for the casual trade, but if you took the time to listen, you were taken into a world of music that combined the genius of performers such as Oscar Petersen and even some Art Tatum with a hint of Errol Garner, but, at times, the soul of South Africa came through those fingers.
When I went over to him to say hello, he went into another gear with his playing because he knew at least one person was listening to what he was doing, and that is when you realised the pure pleasure this man held captivated in his fingers.
His son, Bjorn, a well-known drummer on the local scene and the emirates circuit, always had plans to bring his dad to town, but the time and schedules just never seemed right.
Sadly, many people will never get to share in that pleasure now that this great talent has passed on, but be aware there are still many voices from our legacy that need to be captured and treasured for posterity.
What are we going to do for the future? Let's wait and see what happens after this latest round of sadness on the local scene.
Bjorn and Shaun, my thoughts are with you, brothers, at this time of sadness.
- Looking at the life of our brother Robbie Jansen, there are two celebrations of his life this week. Tonight from 7, His People's Church at N1 City will host a fundraiser for his family.
The fundraiser will feature a variety of artists with whom he worked, and on Friday there will be one at Artscape, featuring his Sons of Table Mountain, Allou April, Tony Cedras, Errol Dyers and many more.
Tickets cost R80 and will be available at the door. Let's see if Cape Town can open their hearts for our ailing legend.
- While we're on the subject of legends, Tony Schilder launched his latest CD on Sunday at the Nassau in Newlands. Unfortunately, a bit of a flu bug bit me when I got back from the Karoo, but music lover Carole Johnson sent me this info to tell me all about the event.
With that great storm brewing on Sunday, people came rushing up the steps to the Nassau Auditorium to get out of the rain. It was good to see many of the old faithful pitch up to support our man at the launch of his new CD, B Positive (Schilder's blood group).
There was a good turnout for the gig that included a lot of the regulars, even though organiser Paddy Lee-Thorpe says the takings at the door just covered the band.
The concert was great, Schilder was cooking and by the look on his face at the end of the performance he enjoyed himself as much as we did.
He began by playing songs off the CD in tribute to Robbie Jansen, whom you know is in hospital, and the late Roy Petersen, with whom he played whilst up in Sun City.
On stage with Schilder were Gary Kriel on bass and Ivan Bell on drums with guests - his son Hilton and trumpet man Ian Smith.
For me, the highlight came after interval when none other than Zayn Adam was introduced, looking as dapper as ever. He started off singing the famous Flying High as a tribute to Schilder's daughter Dalene and then he sang the beautiful Where or When which he sings on the recording to a gentle bossa nova beat, with Hilton drumming for that one.
Adam really had the crowd going and had no choice but to sing Give a Little Love to great ovation from the audience. Hilton did a solo piano piece after which Tony got Smith to sing. Smith apologised profusely for having to "croak" his way through a song after Adam.
The crowd who refused to let them go was only satisfied once Tony did Montreal with Smith's trumpet playing part of the lyrics we all know so well. At the end, the band got a standing ovation which was well deserved.
At the beginning of the second half, Lee-Thorpe spoke at length about Cape Jazz and encouraged people to ask for artists by name so that record shops would be obliged to stock or order this great music of the Cape.
- I'd like to thank Ms Johnson for her contribution, and agree with Lee-Thorpe that we must become more proud of the real music of our country. Maybe we should once again cry out for a national jazz radio station. We've given up all hope on a local one, and why can't we be featured more on television.
Just look at some of the rubbish that's forced down our throats on programmes such as that awful Belboks and you'll know why the real legends of music don't stand a chance to receive the recognition they deserve.
- You can also look forward to some big band sounds at the Baxter on Saturday with the first half conducted by Mike Campbell and featuring Denay Willie on vocals.
The second half of the show is conducted by Dr Mike Rossi and it wishes to feature and congratulate Vaughn Fransch, Shaun Johannes and Dan Shout on their outstanding performance at the 32rd Annual IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators) International Conference which was held in California recently.
Rossi and this bunch of students performed with three students from the University of Natal to represent South Africa and showcase South African jazz at the world's largest jazz education conference.
The featured performance in the Seaside Ballroom of the Long Beach Convention Centre received a standing ovation. Also in attendance, along with conference delegates, were noted jazz celebrities, promoters and important key educators.
IAJE past-president Ron McCurdy made a guest artist appearance with the group and was highly impressed with the overall musicianship of the students and the warmth and uniqueness of South African jazz.
This was also the first opportunity for students from UCT's jazz programme to perform at the international conference. The conference was attended by more than 7 300 jazz enthusiasts from around the world and represents every aspect of the jazz industry.
Students had the opportunity to meet the very biggest names in jazz, make contact with a number of highly esteemed university jazz programmes and representatives, and browse and experiment with the very latest jazz related items, music technology and musical instruments.
The concert starts at 8.15pm, and tickets (R40) are available at the door and Computicket.
- That's it for this week folks. Remember comment and info to [email protected] or fax to 021 488 4535.
Gig guide
- Vernon Castle and friends are still making music at The Jazz Castle, Shop 15, Ottery Value Centre. Tomorrow night you can support Stephanians Soccer Club and Friday and Saturday features Vernon with the band After Sunset. Alia Rasool is on vocals. Info and booking: 021 703 1398/9.
- Catharina's, on the Steenberg Estate, hosts popular pianist Sammy Hartman at the Jazz Buffet Luncheon on Sunday from noon to 3pm. Call 021 713 2222 for info or to book.
- At the Railway House Restaurant, Station Building, Muizenberg, you can catch the Jazz quintet, Renboog, this Sunday from 7.30pm. Also on Sunday enjoy a double bass-baguette-brunch from 11am with Dave Ridgeway and Amanda Tiffin. Info: 021 788 3252.
- The hard rockin' Blues Jobs are playing at Carnival Court (next door to Kennedy's and up the stairs) in Long Street on Friday from 9pm. There is no cover charge. Contact: 021 423 9003.
- Every Thursday the Blue Chip Restaurant in Wetton Road, Wetton, features the sounds of Mark Johnson on keyboards, Alistair Adams on bass and Jasper Wessels on drums.
- The Green Dolphin in the Waterfront has some exciting sounds coming up with Mark Fransman tonight. Tomorrow features the Heinrich Frans Quartet. This is a Dolphin début for an exciting singer. Friday and Saturday see Tina Schouw in action and Fransman is back on Sunday night. Info and booking: 021 421 7471.
- The Marimba Restaurant and Cigar Bar, on the Heerengracht Foreshore, has some exciting sounds for you. Tonight and tomorrow New York-based piano maestro Tony Cedras is in action. Bongani Sotshononda and his band Kalimba are there on Friday and pianist Andre Petersen is there with the sensational Emily Bruce on Saturday. Info and booking: 021 418 3366.
- Every Wednesday, Cape Town's most sought-after whisky bar and wine cellar, The Bascule Bar, situated at the edge of the yacht marina at the Cape Grace Hotel, offers local and foreign visitors a musical treat with local singing sensation Denay Willie doing her rendition of some Motown classics. Info: 021 410 7100.
- Every Sunday the Acoustic Cafe, 120 Main Road, Muizenberg, features guitarist Eghardt Volschenk in action from 8pm. Admission is free. Info: 021 788 1900.
- The G-Spot at Generations Cafe, Viking Business Park, Epping, is in full swing with N2 there on Wednesday nights. Friday's Sundowner has Crossover and Livewire do the later slot. Saturdays Touchdown is in action. Info: 021 535 1873.
- Monday night jazz jam sessions are a truly Cape tradition. Start your experience at Swingers in Wetton (1 Wetwyn Road, near Wetton station). Guitarist Alvin Dyers leads the resident band that features Shaun Johannes on bass, and Ivan Bell on drums from about 9pm. Info: 021 762 2443.