Stellar line-up for Joy of Jazz
IVE amazing artists have confirmed their appearance at this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival, which takes place in Newtown from August 23-25.
First up is the wonderful Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander, who lives in the US. He promises to take his audience on a musical journey from Harlem to Kingston.
So expect jazz from swing to bebop, plus jazz with a reggae beat. He is bringing his own rhythm section with him, which should raise the temperature.
Another great is pianist Eddie Palmieri, whose use of exotic rhythms and modern jazz harmonies and phrasing within the salsa idiom has earned him the title of The Latin Monk, after Thelonious Monk.
Together with his own band, his concerts promise to be exciting events.
When he plays, you can see the enjoyment on his face. If you feel the rhythm in your feet and want to get up and dance, go ahead. Palmieri is cool with that.
French-African drummer Manu Katché is a drummer for all seasons, be it Latin, World or jazz.
He’s a subtle rhythmic player whose brushwork is superb, while his compositions are airy and atmospheric.
FKatché has worked with such diverse artists as Jan Garbarek, Peter Gabriel and Sting.
Blind soul singer, songwriter and guitarist Clarence Carter will turn the clock back as he sings such hits as Slip Away and Too Weak to Fight, as well as his Grammy Award-winning recording of Patches. His recording of Strokin’ was used by