Celebration of all that (is) jazz…
JAZZ singer and pianist Nomfundo Xaluva is the next attraction at the Jazz in the Native Yards session when she performs at Gugu S’thebe in Langa, this Sunday from 4pm.
Joining Xaluva on stage is a unique band of celebrated jazz musos who play the Cape circuit:
Mark Fransman on keyboard, Wesley Rustin on double bass, Lumanyano Mzi on drums and trumpeter Mandisi Dyantyis.
The ensemble of violins and brass, Masidlale, a Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra education project, will play a curtain-raiser at this gig.
Nomfundo Xaluva is no ordinary musician. Her sultry voice and exquisite talent as a pianist is backed up by a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies (Voice and Dissertation) and her humble, joyful attitude to both life and her art. This talent and effortless demeanour as an artist is powerfully conveyed on her delightful album, Kusile.
Her CV reads like a list of achievements most artists would covet. She has performed with legends such as Sibongile Khumalo in a tribute show to Miriam Makeba – who was the subject of her Master’s dissertation – and she has graced the stage alongside international stars like Dianne Reeves.
Xaluva’s love for music has always been ingrained in her – even as a small child she showed an aptitude for the piano and was always part of her school choir. After school, Xaluva knew there was only one road for her to follow – she was determined to study jazz.
In 2003 she enrolled for a B. Mus Jazz degree at the University of Cape Town. A few years later, she emerged with a Master’s degree and a finely tuned vocal instrument.
Her skill as a vocalist and pianist are showcased to immaculate effect on Kusile – an album that delights and surprises with its lyrical and emotional depth. The staggering beauty of the album is further cemented by Xaluva’s unfailing vocal technique and tender emotional execution of every song.
“I look forward to sharing the music on Kusile with South Africans everywhere. The music comes from my heart and I hope to bring a piece of it to every single listener,” Xaluva explains.
Her sentiments are shared by the team at Universal Music South Africa.
“Kusile is such a beautiful album – in fact, it is a work of art. We are extremely proud of this album and of the opportunity to work with a talented and accomplished musician such as Xaluva,” says Wandile Sikhosana, of Universal Music South Africa.
With the standout vocal technique, lyrics and music on Kusile, coupled with Xaluva’s vivacious personality and beauty, South Africans should ready themselves for a wondrous musical experience.
Tickets are R100 at the door. A student and pensioners discount will be available. Christine and the Kilts.
Renowned singer Christine Weir has released a CD showcasing the music played by her band, Christine & the Kilts.The CD features eight Celtic songs (Scottish and Irish traditional) and her own compositions.Weir was one of the founders of the a cappella group, Not the Midnight Mass.The CD costs R100 and can be bought by e-mailing weirchristine@gmail.com or from Amazon.com. Catch the group live – wearing kilts at its gig on October 28, at Café Roux in the city (74 Shortmarket Street).The line-up includes Weir and her son Matthew, Leon Oosthuizen, Rayelle Goodman and Duncan Robinson.Tickets are R130/webtickets.co.za doors open at 6.30/show starts at 8.30. Three readers can each win a CD (does not include tickets to the Café Roux gig). E-mail weirchristine@gmail. com by 6pm on Sunday. Subject line: ToTT.
The Legends of R&B is a concert platform from the US and its latest edition is Legends of R&B – with Brian Knight and Brandy, which will be staged in Pretoria (December 9 at Sun Arena, Time Square); Joburg (December 10 at the Ticketpro Dome); Cape Town (December 12 at GrandWest) and Durbs (December 14 at the Durban ICC). It is a festively smooth line-up: Brian McKnight has released 17 albums – and has sold more than 30 million albums. Brandy has sold more than 40 million albums and is working on a new studio album.The concerts are slap bang in the middle of the hols, so booking is recommended.Tickets for the GrandWest concert are R480 – R945 at www.computicket.com.Three readers can win double tickets. E-mail asanda@ pamberi-communications.co.za by 6pm tomorrow. Subject line:ToTT.