Final line-up and dates announced for CTIJF. It's hot, hot, hot!!!

Some time in December last year I published a post about the initial line-up for this year's Cape Town International Jazz Festival (see HERE). Yesterday I attended the press conference and launch where the rest of the artists gracing the different stages at the spectacular festival for this year were announced. Celebrating 10 years since its inception, it's promising to be another great feast of music spanning the globe. With an assortment of genres, sounds and disciplines, what a great way to celebrate a decade of this magnificent event.

The artist everybody seemed to be most excited about as event organiser Rashid Lombard went through each musician on the line up was rapper Mos Def. Known for his conscious and educational lyrics in his music, as well as his colorful acting career, it sure would be interesting to see what he brings into the festival. Other big names that caught my eye included our very own Jonathan Butler (accompanied by Dave Koz), 340ml, Sibongile Khumalo (a collaboration with Mike del Ferro and Shannon Mowday), Shakatak, Abigail Kubeka, Siphokazi, and of course other names that had been mentioned in December last year, musicians like Incognito, The Stylistics, Zap Mama, Hugh Masekela, Freshlyground, Diane Reeves, and many more.

The Cape Town Internationa Jazz Festival is taking place at the same venue, Cape Town International Convention Centre, on the weekend of the 3rd - 4th April . There are other activities though happening the week leading to the final spectacle, namely, the notorious free concert at Green Market Square, taking place on April Fools Days, as well as the signature workshops running from 28 March 2009 to 4th April 2009. For only R485 for a weekend pass and R330 for a day pass (and an extra R25 per show for the acclaimed Rosies stage), you can be part of the Mother of all Celebrations.

This is a not-to-be-missed music extravaganza so start preparing now. It's not called Africa's Grandest Gathering for nothing. Please go to capetownjazzfest.co.za for more details on the complete line-up, tickets, accommodation and other information you may need.

You can also check out YEAHBO.DOT.NET for artist profiles and more as the date draws closer.

Music Reviews: DJ Mobi and Jazzanova

Mzansi music talent growth is really undisputable. Just yesterday I got a chance to listen to a young DJ's original and new house music brewed right here at home. Below is the review of his debut album, as well as a band called Jazzanova whose music I was introduced to just recently.

DJ Mobi - Club Kulcha

A freshman to the house music scene, DJ Mobi's effort on his debut album doesn't reflect this at all. Perhaps it's because the young DJ, producer, songwriter and sound engineer hailing from East London has been honing his skills for a while. Aptly titled Club Kulcha, the album showcases his sterling composition, writing and mixing skills.

I've always gleefully revelled in house music with vocals, so tunes like the piano-laced Shake Dance, featuring Pearl Shongwe on vocals; the easy-flowing and beautifully crafted This Feeling, with Mthwawelanga Nkonzo and Zikhona Miso alternating on the charming vocals (this one is set to rock clubs because of it's very catchy nature); and the bouncy Never Let Me Go, with Sthembiso Khoza lending his haunting vocals; all became my instant favourites. Coincidentally, all these tunes feature Thulani Lekhuleni on keys, who strums the black and white buttons so effortlessly.

Othr noteworthy tracks include album opener Back To The Future with that consistent and precise rhythm, as well as Call For Freedom, which sees DJ Mobi assist Tinyiko Mathebula in the chanting-like vocals. DJ Mobi cruises from one track to another seamlessly, making his mixing top notch. This is evident from song to song in the 13-track project.

DJ Mobi also needs to be commended for the fact that he composed and created his own music and style. It's easy for house music DJ's to put out a compilation of some other people's work and call it a day. I appreciate his vision and the showcase of his passion in elevating our Mzansi music heritage. More DJ's need to learn from this young man. Club Kulcha is sure to warm up dance floors this festive season and beyond.

Jazzanova - Of All the Things

Looking at the name of the band and the album cover, I had no idea what to expect from Jazzanova's album titled Of All The Things. The German-based DJ/producer collective's latest project sees them explore the fusion of jazz, house and even hip hop sounds more freely, creating an enjoyable chillout jazzy house feel. The live instruments add more substance to the body of work the 6-member outfit has crafted this time around.

The vocals from different vocalists around the world, coupled with exceptional song-writing is another strong point of the album. Vocalists Phonte (who also raps on one of the tracks), Paul Randolph, Jose James, Joe Duke, Bembe Segue and Dwele (whose music I fell in love with since his introduction to the music scene with the commercially un-released Rize project), just to name a few, all provide an impeccable backdrop against which the music thrives. It's really difficult to select the best songs because each has an unique element that will gnaw on my mind long after listening to the song.

However, because I'm biased towards Dwele since I'm more familiar with his music, I would have to say he took my breath away with his smooth background vocals on Rockin' You Eternally, which also features an equally brilliant vocalist named Leon Ware. Another outstanding track is Morning Scapes, a very mellow and jazzy tune showcasing a poignant flute piece accompanying Bembe Segue's raspy vocals.

Of All the Things is a feast of great quality music. From vocals to the writimg, to actual production of the music, to the harmonies, it's all blended so well that you can't help its infectious nature. Jazzanova truly have a winner in this album. I'm just a bit mad that only now I get to listen to such refreshing music from this band. But, I'll definitely be on the look out for their previous and future stuff. This is no exaggeration, you'll be bowled over by the level of overall substance in the music on Of All The Things.