Get swinging with the best of Platform Jazz

THE much-anticipated annual January opening show of popular Durban ensemble Platform Jazz kicks off at the weekend.

Titled Our Favourite Swings, the show presents a programme of hits from the Swing and Dixieland eras.

A highlight will be acclaimed muso Melvin Peters, who will also play one of his own original swing compositions.

Peters said Platform Jazz had become known for not only offering some of the finest live music performances, but also for their dash of musical education in every show.

“Many interesting things will be learnt about the songs we perform. I’ll also be playing one of my original compositions. The piece has an obscure title, A Bag of Marbles, and it is a swing tune. The idea of introducing my composition is to show that, even today, musicians are still composing swing music,” he said.

The Reservoir Hills resident and renowned South Africa jazz star said swing was a timeless genre.

Another refreshed aspect of the show this year is that Platform Jazz will perform with lead male vocals.

“Platform Jazz has Shelley McClean as our wonderful resident vocalist, but the idea of using new male vocals is also intended to keep things fresh,” said Peters.

Adding a bit of pop to that freshness is Bryan Hiles, who is on vocals.

While he is an award-winning theatre actor renowned for his versatility in stage dramas, comedies and children’s theatre, it seems Durban is about to experience a new set of skills from the artist.

Our Favourite Swings runs from January 12 to 20 at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Durban.

Book through Computicket or call

082 499 8636 to find out about block-booking specials and concessions.