Having recently returned from the 2023 National Youth Jazz Festival Makhanda with his ensemble, bassist Nick Ford is gearing up to perform on two well-known stages this July – The Delheim Jazz and Fondue Series in Stellenbosch, and Alliance Française du Cap in Cape Town. KEANETSE MOKHOTHU contacted the bassman for an exchange of all things Nick Ford.
Nick Ford notes – what’s your take on South African jazz?
SA jazz is fundamentally the music that represents the spirit of South African people. I feel that every genre and style of music, has its own purpose. Pop music is for partying, to let go. Classical music is a form of art music – music to be enjoyed as an intentionally crafted work.
Jazz music fits into all of this by being the music that allows people to express themselves. Jazz is the music which comes from people’s desire to be heard. SA jazz, for this very reason, is so special. As a country which has gone through so much, with people from many diverse ancestries, displaced across the country and being put with other displaced people from far and wide, has created something truly unique and beautiful.
Welcome back from Grahamstown by the way! How do you choose your musical collaborators?
It is hard to say. Something I have learnt. Despite being treated as interchangeable, the bass guitar and the upright bass are entirely different instruments. When you play one or the other, you will always play them differently resulting in the people surrounding you reacting somehow towards you. Playing each of them gives me new musical perspectives and directions. It allows me to interact with my band mates in unusual ways.
Which stages and musicians appeal to you?
I believe that my original music is best suited to, and is most appreciated by, an audience interested in sitting back and letting the music affect them – in other words, a truly listening audience.
Obviously, as all musicians do, sometimes our job is just to play music in the background, wallpaper, or play something that will keep a crowd captivated but not invested. What I aim to do with my music is, strip it back to the basics of what I find beautiful. Attempt to draw people into that experience as much as possible and hopefully share the immense joy I feel from the music with the audience. So, any stage or musicians who share that interest are the ones I work best with, I think.
As young as you are, lessons learned – what are they and how do they inspire you to “ford” on?
A huge part of my musical education has come in the form of professional, personal mentorships and relationship as opposed to institutional relationships. My high school teacher, Kingsley Buitendag was an incredible musical mentor outside of just being a teacher. Since leaving high school, I have had the pleasure of being mentored by amazing musicians around Cape Town.
Darren English booked me on some of my very first paid gigs and showed me the ropes of how to work professionally on my own. Mark Fransman’s Homage Project was my first experience of being part of a real band. An incredible learning experience I must say. Moreover, I ensure that I learn something (s) interesting and impactful from everyone I work with. Bokani Dyer, Afrika Mkhize, Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane – all have taught me about being a musician and for that I am so grateful.
Words of encouragement to upcoming local jazz bassists please?
Ahaha, I do not think I am in the right place yet to be encouraging upcoming SA jazz bassists. I consider myself very much up and coming. If I do have any encouragement, it is, just get entirely immersed in music.
Attend as many gigs possible. Check out concerts, learn tunes and practice. Whatever builds your relationship with music will only enrich your life and career.
It does not end with Nick Ford notes – there are Nick Ford progressions too (early 2022, yourself on bass guitar, live at The Athletic Club & Social with Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane on Umagoduka, where are you in terms of dropping a full-blown album?
Something is definitely in the works. I have of late been focusing on my original music – which generally goes under the name Nick Ford Project. I am thrilled with how that has been going. I do not want to make any promises, but hopefully you can expect something to come in the first half of 2024!
Nick Ford live in Cape Town
Delheim Jazz and Fondue Series
Sunday, 23 July 2023, 11am
R520
Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch
Tickets Quicket
Alliance Française du Cap
Friday, 28 July 2023, 7pm
R60
155 Loop Street, Cape Town
Tickets Quicket
Who: Bassist Nick Ford interview
EPs: Trial of The Self, State of Emergency / Getting Better
Singles: The Verdict, Song for T, The Yellow Jacket
Social media: Instagram @nickfordmusic, Bandcamp https://nickford.bandcamp.com/
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