Jazz in our lifetime has endured and ascertained without fail that in its outright mother form it will continue to remain a catalyst and a dynamic driver of social regeneration. Despite being snubbed as a mere one percent market share value contributor, in its soft and staying power, it still has appeal and a distinct economic impact. Attesting to this the genres shape, liquidity and continued transformation worldwide, here at home it is no different The 2023 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has rolled down its curtain on an ascending scale.
The jazz you thought you knew has a new face, has been, in part this year’s partial advertising blip. At least ninety-eight percent of South African performing acts. This speaks to the sentiment of the festivals applying and implementing the policy of sourcing, buying and consuming local content, service and consumables. This is including direct and indirect partners and stakeholders.
Headlining the program was the modified electronic harpist Andreas Vollenvieder, who was joined by Africapella’s Vusi Nhlapho, Vuyo Tshuma and Ayanda Nhlangothi. Having recently released the Slowflow and Dancer double album, it turns out the collaboration has clandestinely been cooking, fermenting and perfecting the silky and otherworldly sounds for nearly a decade. Again this tells that we are a preferable palette to export sound from the continent to the world. Throughout the festival, he has been a favourite. However, this did not tarnish or sideline Robert Glasper, who was well attended through this cited why he is regarded as one of the versatile pianist of our time. It is never a letdown seeing the extemporal contrabassist Herbert “Herbie” Tsoaeli presenting resonant and exciting deliveries whether delivering dirges, ballads, grooves or even expressions of grief. Paying tribute to his proclaimed favourite bassist Johnny Dyani it was remarkable to see Thomas Dyani the son of a huge backer in the face of jazz worldwide. Along the act he enlisted and tributed his performance to his predecessors that have not only shaped his sound but also that of jazz in the context of our language of today. Within the same key, Ernie Smith is an unforgettable guitarist presented to the world from here at home, he continues to fly our home flag higher. Fanatics were treated to a rare experience in this settings, he is arguably one of the best quality guitarists to be exported to the world. A cosmic unlearning took shape and form as was presented by the Nduduzo Makhathini Trio. Aligning intergalactic sounds, he reminded us that at a place space and time, a song will forever be of relevance provided it is parallel and befitting in that instance. Dr. Makhathini resonance is that of an ethereal swirl. The Mbira, is reasonable concurrence that jazz does evolve with time more rapidly than that a wistful eye. It also gave notion that one certainly does not need to listen to its classical material to hear or understand it. It is here where Linda Sikhakane and Dr. Ndabo Zulu appeared with acclaimed Big Zulu and Grammy winner Sjava. Their idea and presentation of a new frame of free fall and world jazz fused with rhyme and local hip hop is flawless. Another sweet listen has been Buhlebendalo. Tributes are always a necessity, all the acts with reverence accompanied and moved the audience when Max-Hoba remembered Jabu Khanyile Titi Luzipho Gloria Bosman and, Billy Monama remembering and evoking Allen Kwela’s deft guitar life-force. The Masekela band reminded us why Hughie will endlessly leave an indelible retention in our hearts and in the history of South African Jazz.
While the festival has happened and gone. This year the festival obliterated the unfounded and unaccounted precept that jazz is just a spectacle that stand for opulence and sophistication. A motley of memories has come out in many forms. Of the greatest take the festival, has impacted many young people and created a number of opportunities for them in their active sectors. Without a doubt, the festival gives a meaning to hope and a reason why many fanatics look forward to partaking in this experience.
