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Hanepoot Big Band 8th Anniversary Concert
Masque Theatre, 24th May 2009, 19h00
featuring an exhibition of photos by Fran Black
The Hanepoot Big Band holds their 8th anniversary concert at the Masque Theatre, 37 Main Road, Muizenberg on the 24th May 2009 starting 19h00.
The multi-talented Jannie 'Hanepoot' van Tonder, a trombonist of renown, set up the Hanepoot Big Band in May 2001. He comes from the stable of South African Jazz Greats and has worked with Vusi Mahlasela, Basil Coetzee, Nico Carstens, James Phillips, Abdullah Ibrahim, Sean Bergin and Jimmy Dludlu - contributing his flair and unique trombone style to South African music for many years. He has also been a member of successful groups including the fabulous African Jazz Pioneers, the Gereformeerde Blues Band, and the Blues Broers.
 Jannie, as leader of the Hanepoot Big Band, has the gift of appearing very casual on stage. He always has the throwaway line, keeping the atmosphere light and relaxed, but this belies his musical perfectionalism. Damon Boyd of the Sunday Times describes Jannie's style as a 'romantic revolutionary spirit that tears through every note'. He keeps the music tight and disciplined, creating a perfectly controlled but spirited sound.
And that sound is infectious music from a selection of Hanepoot Big Band's own arrangements of South African jazz standards from Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand), Dudu Pukwana, Chris McGregor, Errol Dyers and Zakes Nkosi amongst others. These are all familiar to followers of South African jazz, but rather excitingly, the band also performs new compositions specifically written for them by Mertyn Barrow, David Ledbetter, Douglas Armstrong, Kesivan Naidoo and Jannie van Tonder himself.
So an evening with Hanepoot Big Band is an uplifting experience, combining indigenous marabi, goema and swing - sometimes familiar, sometimes new - but always breathtaking in its interpretation and innovation.
The impressive line-up of 5 saxes, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets and a 4-piece rhythm section creates a very big sound, enough to lift the rafters. Jannie keeps firm control, conducting the band with nods, waving arms and an animated trombone, as he dances up and down front of stage. The musicians create a wonderful sound, working closely together - sometimes playful, sometimes challenging - but always with great verve, uplifting, heartwarming. Leaving the audience foot-tapping and calling for more. Throughout the evening solos are performed by Jasper Cook, Chris Tokalon, George Werner, Storm de Klerk, Douglas Armstrong, Colin Miller and Lwanda Gogwana.
Enthusiastic audiences in and around Cape Town have enjoyed the performances of the Hanepoot Big Band over the past 8 years at venues such as the Jazzathon, Baxter, Mannenbergs, Generations Cafe, West End, Green Dolphin, V & A Amphitheatre, Kirstenbosch and Obs Festival. But the highlight of the Hanepoot Big Band's calendar is the annual gig at the Masque Theatre with its excellent sound, lighting and bar. This year the band is organising a bash after the gig with refreshments available from the bar in the foyer. Your chance to meet the band, catch up with old friends and make new ones. It is also an opportunity to take a look at the fine photographs of the Hanepoot Big Band by Fran Black on view in the foyer.
The Hanepoot Big Band CD - Salt and Vinegar - is available for purchase from the Hanepoot Big Band website at www.hanepoot.co.za. The CD and photographs will also be on sale on the night.
One show only on Sunday 24 May at 19h00. To book phone 021 788 1898 (o/h)
Ticket prices are R50 (R45 for theatre club members)
*If you have problems viewing the images in your emailed
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the press release online at http://www.jazz.co.za/hbb/pressreleases/090514.htm
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