In order to celebrate this momentous occasion, we must reflect on ourselves and our country. And what better way to do it, then a night of South African Big Band Jazz? Brought to you by the Mandela Bay Big Band (MB3), featuring some of the most talented young musicians in the Bay under the direction of Gareth Williams, of TwoTone Music Productions. The award winning Kyle du Preez, a familiar face at national jazz festivals and cameo crooner with The TwoTone Show Band, will be featured on the trombone. He recently appeared with the Mandela Bay Symphonic Wind Orchestra, which demonstrates the multi-faceted talent that this young performer represents. On trumpet, MB3’s own Hugh Masekela, Xolani Faku adds to the jazz flair being no stranger to the stage, having been featured at the Three Star Jazz Club during the Grahamstown Festival. Phumlani Mtiti rounds out the Jazz Epistles (for those not in the know, the Jazz Epistles were the first African band, featuring Dollar Brand and Masekela to record an LP). In true Big Band style, these cool cats will be supported by a band of Port Elizabeth’s finest, including talented learners, teachers, lecturers and muso’s. The blazing brass is backed by the rhythm section of The TwoTone Show Band, Queen of the Bass-line, Romy Brauteseth, Tim Robinson on rhythm guitar with Devon van Rooyen on the drums. Virgil Matras is on piano. MB3 will be entertaining all-comers with the original works from Abdullah Ibrahim (formerly known as Dollar Brand), Winston Mankunku, Zacks Nkosi and Judith Siphuma. Of Ibrahim’s work, audience members will hear the Cape Town-flavoured African Marketplace and Homecoming. Such favourites as Crossroads Crossroads and Ntyilo Ntyilo will also delight listeners. The pieces reflect aspects of modern jazz as well as the many unique as diverse South African flavors. This show is a great opportunity for all jazz lovers young and old, with the band even playing the rare sounds of Mbaqanga (this ethnic influenced jazz was heard in Miriam Makeba’s early work). It is also kn
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