Saturday 15th December
Durban’s jazz lounge, The Jazzy Rainbow, in association with Concerts SA, launched its first straight jazz programme on the eve of Heritage Day in September 2016 and continues to follow up with the same concept. “#JazzyStraightAhead is about introducing regular, live, straight jazz concerts to our city in order to help keep the music alive,” says Oliver-Rene Haas.
This performance by guitarist Josh Swanson at The Jazzy Rainbow is part of the Concerts SA Venue Circuit which aims to foster a love and support for live music in our communities, as well as anchor small and medium sized venues in urban and rural Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
Josh Swanson grew up in Amanzimtoti. At age 11 he was given a second-hand guitar and, through the use of books and experimentation, Josh taught himself to play. Following the Trinity programme Josh, continued to teach himself and his passion for music and guitar led him to the Foundation music programme offered by UKZN, which affords aspiring musicians the opportunity to bridge any gaps that may exist as a result of not having had any formal music training. This platform led Josh to enter into the BMUS Degree programme at UKZN.
Josh is interested in- and plays- many music genres. However, it was on the Foundation music programme that Josh developed a love for jazz- a particularly good match for him. The nature of jazz as a musical form that relies on improvisation as a primary way for musicians to express themselves allows Josh to be inventive and express his own sound and style. Jazz, as partly planned and partly spontaneous, echoes Josh’s essence in that he is able to create his own interpretation within a pre-determined tune in response to other musicians’ performances and whatever else may occur ‘in the moment’. A jazz ensemble seems a fitting way to describe Josh Swanson- individual freedom but with responsibility to the group.
The Band consists of Siyalo Zulu on trombone, Giyani Shangase on bass guitar, Jaedon Daniel on piano, Byron Thambu on drums and Josh Swanson on guitar. These musicians all met at UKZN music school. The first set will consist of straight ahead jazz standards, arranged by the band, by musicians like Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Wes Montgomery and Miles Davis. The second set will consist of original jazz compositions by the band members.
Date: Saturday 15th December
Entrance: 7pm- R50, including a free drink for students (T&C)
Address: The Jazzy Rainbow, 93 Smiso Nkwanyana Rd, Morningside
Bookings: phone 031-3038398 or email jazzyrainbow@mweb.co.za
Concerts SA is a joint South African/Norwegian live music development project housed within the SAMRO Foundation. Concerts SA receives financial, administrative and technical support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SAMRO, the SAMRO Foundation and Concerts Norway. Working with musicians, promoters, venue owners and audiences, and providing support to the sector through research and skills development for music professionals, the project aims to build a vibrant and viable live music circuit in southern Africa. It also aims to develop an interest in and appreciation of live music by showcasing music performances and conducting workshops at schools. Follow @ConcertsSA on Twitter at twitter.com/ConcertsSA or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/ConcertsSA
Josh Swanson & Friends Live In Concert @ The Jazzy Rainbow
