The 2017 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz marks the 20th anniversary of this splashy showcase. The team that makes it possible, T Musicman, will also be celebrating 30 years in the industry. The gig will see a contingent of international giants and luminaries of the jazz world, as well as leading lights of South African jazz, heading to Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre for three days from September 28 to 30, 2017.
Nnenna, Tutu, Thandiswa
Six-time Grammy Award nominee Nnenna Freelon will be one of the stars on the opening night. She will share the honours on the Dinaledi Stage with celebrated vocalist Tutu Puoane, Thandiswa Mazwai Belede Jazz Project, which features Nduduzo Makhathini, Herbie Tsoaeli, Ayanda Sikade, Mthunzi Mvubu, and an interesting musical concept – Ramsey Lewis versus Roy Ayers.
The line up includes three-time Grammy Award winner Branford Marsalis (head of Marsalis Music), sax maestro Joshua Redman and his Quartet, The Clayton Brothers, Jeff and John, and the MAC Power Trio with David Murray, Geri Allen and Terri Lyne Carrington from the US.
Christian McBride and Uganda’s Somi
Other big international names in the jazz world include the five time Grammy award winning American virtuoso bassist Christian McBride, one of the most recorded musicians of his generation, appearing on more than 300 recordings as a sideman, plus Mali superstar Salif Keita, Uganda’s Somi, Lesotho’s Tsepo Tshola, Maleh and Bhudaza Mapefane.
South African greats will be Abdullah Ibrahim, Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa and Caiphus Semenya, while younger generation artists such as Zoe Modiga the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Winner, Benjamin Jephta the Standard Bank Jazz Award winner, Brenda Mtambo and the Mabida Bay Jazz Orchestra with special appearances of Phinda Matlala Mtya and Sisonke Xonthi will also feature.
Dutch superstar Peter Beets will be performing with his trio (Marius Beets and Gijs Dijkhuizen), featuring saxophonist and vocalist Alexandra Beets. Jazz pianist Beets has shared the stage with musicians that include Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater and George Coleman during his illustrious career.
US songwriter Musiq Soulchild (Taalib Johnson) will also feature, blending R&B, funk, blues, and gospel fused with hip hop. He’s received awards from Billboard, BET, ASCAP, BMI, and Soul Train. He has also earned award nominations from MTV, the American Music Awards, the NAACP, and 11 Grammy nominations, including 3 for his 2007 album Luvanmusiq.
French-born Elisabeth Kontomanou is a vocalist with 7 albums to her credit has performed around the globe with Michel Legrand, Darryl Hall and Toots Thielemans. Other highlights: the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band and Selaelo Selota.
All at the Sandton Convention Centre, for three days on four stages – Dinaledi, Conga, Mbira and Diphala and over 30 performances. Audiences can buy the opening night ticket for Thursday, 1 day festival pass for either Friday or Saturday and 2 days festival pass providing access for Friday and Saturday.
What: Joy of Jazz 2017-07-18
Where: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
When: September 28 to 30, 2017
Tickets: Computicket R700 Opening Night, R795 Day Pass, R1 350 2 day pass
Standard Bank Discount: Standard Bank cardholders, qualify for a discount. Debit/cheque card holders get a 10% discount and 15% discount. Limited to 2 tickets until 31 August 2017
Web: www.joyofjazz.co.za
Social media: www.facebook.com/standardbankjoyofjazz, Twitter:@JoyOfJazz,
Instagram: @JoyOfJazz, YouTube: JoyOfJazz
WS
