FINALLY someone is doing something about live jazz around Joburg.

FINALLY someone is doing something about live jazz around Joburg.

Live jazz has been pushing up daises since the days of Kippies in Newtown or Baseline in Melville before the establishment moved to the Newtown precinct.

Rocka in Milpark had until recently been the place to be on Wednesdays for live jazz performances. The restaurant-cum-nightclub shut down after complaints by residents in the area.

But now what is referred to as African chic, the Sophiatown Bar Lounge in Newtown, has come to the rescue of deprived jazz enthusiasts.

Known as Jozi's hottest and funkiest cultural hub, Sophiatown will have live jazz performances every Wednesday evening.

This initiative was set in motion last week with a performance by Port Elizabeth-born trumpeter Marcus Wyatt, Nduduzo Makathini, Carlo Mombelli and Clement Benny. I am told the four will be hosting the Wednesday Jazz evenings every week.

The group, also referred to as Innacity 4tet, will woo the Sophia-town crowd with their strong upbeat yet sweet and melodic sound.

Wyatt has over the years developed the reputation of being one of the most sought after and versatile trumpet players in the land.

He started playing the trumpet at the age of 11 in his school band. And now he will be displaying his skills at the cultural precinct.

According to the restaurant the main objective of the Wednesday Jazz Evenings is to create a spot jazz lovers can call home and where they can jam the night away.

Wyatt said he was thrilled to be part of this overdue adventure and saw Sophiatown as a great venue for this.