Marsalis rocks jazz festival
THE Joy of Jazz festival has kicked off on a high note
ON SONG: Wynton Marsalis PHOTO: VELI NHLAPO
THE Joy of Jazz festival kicked off on a high note at Emperors Palace last night.
South African stars Wanda Baloyi and Nokukhanya Dlamini, supported by the Gauteng Jazz Orchestra, warmed the stage for star of the festival, Wynton Marsalis.
The evening was abuzz with jazz fans who came from all over the country to witness the official start of the three-day jazz festival, which will culminate with this weekend's concert in Newtown, Johannesburg.
The crowd gave Baloyi and Dlamini a good reception during their performances.
But the evening belonged to the 49-year-old, New Orleans (US) born Marsalis, who was given a warm welcome by the crowd when he was introduced by MC for the evening, Kaya FM Breakfast Show presenter Bob Mabena.
After playing three songs, it became obvious that Marsalis is among the best trumpeters in the world to have graced this shores.
Last night's performance obviously set a high standard and tone for what is to follow in the next two days in Newtown.
tzME
In the seventies I had the privelege of seeing 2 young brothers perform in London at Ronnie Scotts.The queue wound around the block. Interestingly, I was asked at the door how was I able to get to London as a person of colour. The implication was that I may have been a 'collaborator'. That was soon sorted out and ... I got the best table in the house! Back to the Jazz! One soon realised that that this was going to be one of the highlights of my life and that I was in a "presence". Wynton was 18 and Branford 21.
My thoughts? Some special parents provided us with these special sons. And special they were. Sensational! The backing musicians, world class themselves and old enough to be their fathers, were in awe of these consummate front men. Thank you Mrs Marsalis. Oh! ... and Mr Marsalis. The tragedy of course is I was unable to get to JHB for this concert. Thank you Wynton.
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