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US musos to dazzle fans

BOWLED OVER: Saxophonist Marion Meadows and pianist Bob Baldwin will perform at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival on Friday in Newtown, Johannesburg. Pic: BAFANA MAHLANGU. 21/08/2009. © Sowetan.
BOWLED OVER: Saxophonist Marion Meadows and pianist Bob Baldwin will perform at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival on Friday in Newtown, Johannesburg. Pic: BAFANA MAHLANGU. 21/08/2009. © Sowetan.

VISITING American jazz musos pianist Bob Baldwin and saxophonist Marion Meadows say South African youth seems to be brimming with energy.

VISITING American jazz musos pianist Bob Baldwin and saxophonist Marion Meadows say South African youth seems to be brimming with energy.

Speaking to Sowetan yesterday, the musicians, who flew into the country on Saturday, made this comment after hitting Johannesburg's club circuit, including popular Moloko nightclub in Rosebank on Saturday, defying the strain of jetlag.

The two musos, who chose to party straight after arriving in the country, are here to perform at the 10th Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival that kicks off on Friday in Newtown.

This is their second visit after they were here 10 years ago to perform at the same popular festival.

"When we first came here the country had gained its freedom, but there was still some visible tension. But now the people seem to be confident about the future and ready to take on opportunities.

I have just had a conversation with jazz writer Don (Albert) and he told me that South African musicians, both black and white, seem to have overcome the racial divide a long time ago, working together as musicians, which is a good thing," Meadows said.

The duo, who often perform together, will this time, just like the last time they were here, share the stage with a South African band including Vusi Khumalo on drums.

"South African musicians' artistry has a feel that is authentic. Vusi's drumming, for example, captures the essence of African rhythms well," Baldwinsaid.

When the two musicians were here last time they enchanted many a jazz fan.

"We have always longed to come back and fortunately the opportunity has arisen," Meadows added.

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