A roll of drums for Giandhari’s jazz
MUSICIAN Riley Giandhari was just about as tall as the drums he started playing on when he was five. Little did he know he had begun a journey that would bring joy to many.
He has become a sensation in the music industry and his drumming skills are a force to be reckoned with.
Giandhari, 23, of Queensburgh, Durban, will perform at the Jazzy Rainbow at Morningside, Durban on November 18. He will play alongside Sanele Phakathi on keyboard/synthesizer and Tyrell Subramoney on bass.
He said he had started playing the drums at church and with gospel bands. His father, Pravin Giandhari, a musician, had inspired him to learn to play the drums.
“My dad has always given me advice and inspires me to be a better musician,” he said.
“I used to watch him play the drums and wanted to play just like him. I also play the piano and would love to learn bass in the future – but singing I will reserve for the shower!”
Giandhari has a music degree and is studying toward his honours. He is a drums teacher at Kearsney College and teaches drums, keyboard and music theory privately.
“I’m excited about the
Jazzy Rainbow gig. I plan on performing some of my original compositions for the first time as well as my favourite jazz standards,” he said. “I am looking forward to performing with Sanele and Tyrell.
“The audience can expect to hear some arranged funk and Latin music within the context of jazz.”
Some of his achievements include being chosen for The Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band in 2016 and a tour to The Oslo Jazz Festival in Norway with Nyimbo Ya Bantu. He has worked with artists or bands such as Jan Lundgren, Lu Dlamini, Neil Gonsalves and Heather Groove, to name a few.
He is on tour with The Mash Trio, a project led by Sibusiso Mashiloane.
Giandhari’s performance at the Jazzy Rainbow (93 Smiso Nkwanyana Road, Morningside) is part of the Concerts SA Venue Circuit. The performance will be on November 18 at 7pm. For more information visit www. concertssa.co.za.