We started a feature last week where we are profiling some of the artists performing at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, leading to the spectacular festival. Our latest profile features our very own international guitar maestro, Jonathan Butler, as well as UK's funky and jazzy outfit Incognito. I decided to pair these two bands because over the weekend I had an absolute pleasure of watching their respective live performances on their latest DVD's that should be out at stores now or soon, thanks to Sheer Music.
Jonathan Butler
Jonathan Butler needs no introduction, really. He's more than honed his skills as a songwriter, singer and guitarist for decades and this is evident in the live DVD that was recorded in South Africa towards the end of 2007, simply and aptly titled Jonathan Butler Live In South Africa. What made my watching of the DVD more special and fulfilling was the fact that I was actually part of the audience during the recording on that beautiful evening at The Venue in Melrose Arc. I even managed to spot my self for a brief half-second, but I digress. The size of the venue created a great sense of intimacy and warm ambience. The actual performance was top notch, with Butler belting out most of his history-making hits since the advent of his career.
Jonathan Butler
Jonathan Butler needs no introduction, really. He's more than honed his skills as a songwriter, singer and guitarist for decades and this is evident in the live DVD that was recorded in South Africa towards the end of 2007, simply and aptly titled Jonathan Butler Live In South Africa. What made my watching of the DVD more special and fulfilling was the fact that I was actually part of the audience during the recording on that beautiful evening at The Venue in Melrose Arc. I even managed to spot my self for a brief half-second, but I digress. The size of the venue created a great sense of intimacy and warm ambience. The actual performance was top notch, with Butler belting out most of his history-making hits since the advent of his career.
One of the many highlights was his collaboration with Mabi Thobejane on 7th Avenue, and Mandela Bay. Mabi excelled in his role as a traditional percussionist, whilst Butler did what he is famous for on both guitar and vocals. The rest of the band equally shined, providing concrete support to Butler. There are a few skits where Butler takes us through more than just his music, in a few showing us where he grew up and reminiscing on those early humble beginnings. For years, one of my favourite songs from the Cape Town-born musical genius has been I'm On My Knees, and will probably remain so for a very long time. Therefore I was ecstatic that he performed the romantic ballad, with many others that follow in my favourites list; like Sarah Sarah, Lies and his unsullied rendition of the Bob Marley classic, No Woman No Cry.
The experience Butler's progression from young Cape Town boy to the international superlative and respected musician, get Jonathan Butler Live In South Africa. You'll indubitably be moved by the magic seeping from that wonderful moment in our arts and culture heritage where many other notable names in our different industries were present.
Incognito
Having entertained masses for a very long time, it's only fitting that Incognito present their fans with a wonderful gift of their golden sounds packaged into a live DVD. It took a show at the Java Jazz Festival staged in Jarkarta, Indonesia last year to have the benefit of enjoying their inimitable plethora of music. And to say they brought the house down is an understatement as the audience couldn't get enough.
In a band or group environment, you usually get at least 1 person that shines and overshadows others. However, that is not the case with the eccletic band made up of members from different parts of the world, including Africa (the originator and band leader Jean-Paul Bluey Maunick, affectionately known only as Bluey, is from Mauritius). Although they sound magnificent as a collective, each member is given an equal chance to shine on their solos, whether it's on vocals, or the horns or the piano or bass guitar or drums. That ability to show such remarkable presence in such a huge band takes a lot of strength and confident in your talents, therefore each and every member in the band is laudable for the great work they contribute to the British band. Not to mention the energy displayed with such comfortability and ease.
Their wholesome ability to display copious amounts of emotion in their sets also intensifies their substance as musicians. This results in an irresistible and moving repetoire, from the dynamic funky tunes, to the memorable soul ballads, to the gospel-laced numbers transformed into easy party grooves. These qualities put them above their counterparts in the jazz and soul genre. The mere knack for interpreting new music, at the same time inspiring with their versatility is really amazing.
The live DVD will be released in May 2009 in South Africa, so look out for it at the music shops. If you don't get to see them when they are here in a few weeks, this should be more than enough consolation.
