David Bass formed his first band while studying medicine in 1972. He has been playing his unique blend of jazz-fusion on Cape Town stages ever since then, most notoriously as leader of the high-energy quartet Feedback, and in recent years with the acoustic AciDBass project featuring saxophonist Mike Rossi.
A live performance at The Ear, formerly known as The Alexander Bar Theatre, will be his first appearance in seven years. The gig will feature new material written and recorded during the “lockdown” period, as well as selected pieces from his back-catalogue.
Well-known sidemen
The David Bass Quartet includes well-known musicians Justin Bellairs (sax), Kevin Gibson (drums), Wesley Rustin (bass), plus special guest Willy Haubrich (trumpet and trombone).
David says: “What do you call this music?” I have been asked that question ever since I started writing and performing 50 years ago. Jazz….jazz-rock… fusion…. crossover… who knows. But like a 20-ingredient Ottolenghi recipe, it always seems to blend nicely in the end, especially when I have the right musicians alongside me. And right now, I have a dream-set of Cape Town’s finest who helped me craft these tunes in the studio. And I have The Ear – a magical, intimate performance space in the heart of the city, with a gorgeous Yamaha baby grand as its centrepiece.”
So go and see the ensemble on Saturday, 13 May, 2023 at 7.30pm.
“There’s a great little bar at street level, so come early if you fancy a drink before the music kicks off,” he adds.
Who: David Bass Quartet
When: Saturday 13 May 2023, 7.30pm
Where: The Ear, 2nd Floor, 78 Strand Street, Cape Town
Tickets: R150, Quicket
WS
