Destined to strike a chord
IT WAS inevitable that Glen Ashley jazz pianist and vocalist Taryn Kasaval should enter the music industry. After all, her love for music runs through her veins and that of her family.
The 36-year-old jazz pianist and vocalist, who recently released her debut album Joy at Last, said her parents inspired her to enter the industry.
The music teacher’s dad, Danny, played the guitar, sang and composed music, while her mom, Joyce, performed in a choir.
“My father always filled our home with music, with styles that ranged from jazz and rock to gospel and classical. I decided from a young age that music was for me. I began taking piano lessons at the age of 10 and by 15 I was playing in the worship team at a local church.
“I was also inspired by jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall and Kim Walker-Smith, a praise and worship leader from Jesus Culture, to enter into this genre of music.”
After matriculating in 1999, Kasaval studied for a chemical engineering degree at the University of KwaZuluNatal but did not enjoy the course and switched to music.
“The university’s music department was the place I was really drawn to. At the end of my first year of engineering in 2000, I auditioned for the course and was accepted into the Bachelor of Music programme, where I began taking jazz piano lessons with American professor Darius Brubeck, the son of the late jazz pianist, Dave Brubeck,” she said.
The mother of three added that her title track, Joy at Last, off the 10-track album which consists of a blend of jazz, Latin and R&B sounds, was written in 2009 while going through a “uniquely” difficult period.
“My first husband had passed away from cancer and I was alone, depressed, penniless and had no hope for a better life. If it were not for my praying parents and my faith, I would not have made it through.
“The track, which consists of a medley of instruments and vocals, encourages one to keep hope alive amidst deep anguish.”
She said the song was dedicated to her now husband, Vincent Madurai, whose love and care had turned her life around.
The rest of the tracks comprise jazz standards, including Spain, Take Five and Sway.
“I would say the album is easy listening and evokes a romantic atmosphere. You don’t have to love jazz to appreciate this album.
“I also had the opportunity to work with professional musicians Logan Byrne on acoustic bass and Brenton Govender on drums, who brought a special element to each track.”
Kasaval added that, despite the challenges that many upand-coming artists are faced with as they try to step into the music industry, she believes hard work and determination can pay off.
“It was a challenge to get my name out there at first but I soon became a pianist for various bands, as well as a solo artist in and around the Durban area.”
Kasaval added that she had the opportunity to play at The Playhouse Company, Sibaya Casino, the Centre for Jazz and Suncoast Casino, to name a few.
Although music is her profession, she said she was passionate about inspiring children.
“As a music teacher I want to teach my students to reach their full musical potential. I’m also trying to grow my music school, Crescendo Music Academy, which has been a success so far.
“My future goal would be to run a music school that offers tuition in every instrument, whereby children can discover their talents and learn from qualified teachers. I believe learning to play a musical instrument is beneficial for children.”
Kasaval, who was inspired by the likes of Adele, Whitney Houston, Beethoven and Mozart, said she planned to release a praise and worship album and has already starting writing the music.
Her album is available at online stores including Apple iTunes, Google Play, Deezer, Spotify and Amazon.