A 24-piece female big band will take to the stage to showcase the best of the country’s jazz heritage. Dubbed the 2015 Joy of Jazz Amaqhawekazi Big Band, the all-women ensemble will not only celebrate the history of women in jazz, but will also highlight the voices of leading women in the contemporary world of jazz.
The band will pay special tribute to great leading jazz women such as Sibongile Khumalo and Letta Mbulu who will also be celebrating their birthdays on 24 September.
The big band’s repertoire will include a combination of original compositions along with South African classics that Khumalo and Mbulu helped to popularise.
Award winning vocalists such as Nomfundo Xaluva and Lindiwe Maxolo, and trombonist Siya Makhuzeni, pianist Thandi Ntuli along with Romy Brauteseth on double bass are also part of the big band. It also includes some of the nation’s rising stars with Linda Tshabalala on first alto sax and flute, and Maria Mombelli on tenor saxophone. The big band will be conducted by composer and trumpeter, Prince Lengoasa.
Also included on the opening night will be two of the festival’s headline acts, The American fusion-jazz quartet and The Yellow Jackets featuring Bob Mintzer on saxophone, Dane Alderson on bass, Russell Ferrante on piano and William Kennedy on drums.
Larry Carlton will also perform his unique fusion of jazz, blues, pop, and rock.
Details: www.joyofjazz.co.za, @JoyOfJazz
Which jazz act are you looking forward to at the Joy of Jazz this year? Tweet @Sandton_News #JoyOfJazzSandton
