Myrtle Ryan
some of his most memorable performances abroad, he singled out the Village Vanguard, where he made his debut in New York. He said that, whereas he does not regard himself as a jazz singer, he had been delighted to perform there. “The Village Vanguard is like the Sistine Chapel of jazz.”
Different venues evoked different memories for him. Whereas at the Village Vanguard he could dress casually, the vibe at The Blue Angel in Liverpool was much more sophisticated.
“I enjoyed the different aspects of the different clubs. You as a performer always have to conform to the needs of each club.”
The two music legends will be performing at the Reu-nite at the Royal concert to be held at the Royal Durban Golf Club on March 24 and 25. They are expected to perform favourites such as The Girl That Got Away, April in Paris, and If You Go Away, and will be accompanied by virtuoso pianist Burton Naidoo.
As Masekela and Pillay are donating profits to development golfers at the club, the Tribune Herald asked Pillay whether he would be open to a round of golf with some of these young golfing whizzes.
“I can barely walk nowadays,” he joked. “I have trouble with my legs, but would love to if I could.”
Finally, when growing up in Durban, the city had not appealed to Pillay. “I spent most of my time with musicians and artists.
“I now live in New York, but I also own a flat on Musgrave. When I sit on my verandah, with its spectacular view of the city, the palm trees and banana trees, I finally realise how beautiful Durban really is,” he remarked contentedly.
The Reu-nite at the Royal show will be held at 7pm on March 24 and 25, and only 140 tickets are available. Bookings must be made by contacting Zane at the Royal Golf Club on 031 309 1372 or 031 309 1530.
For more information contact Gator Reddy on 082 820 3276.