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Jazz Epistles Featuring Abdullah Ibrahim & Ekaya and Hugh Masekela
After years in exile and liberated South Africa it is only now; for the first time in 60 years that these two iconic jazz instrumentalists, icons and South African global jazz ambassadors; Abdullah Ibrahim and Hugh Masekela will reunite and perform on one stage.
The Jazz Epistles were South Africa’s earliest most influential Jazz (bebop) band. This was an all-black, all esteemed band of young, swaggered men consisting of these world-famous names. Abdullah Ibrahim (then known as Dollar Brand) on piano, Hugh Masekela – on trumpet, Jonas Gwangwa on trombone, Kippie Moeketsi – on alto saxophone, Johnny Gertze – on bass, Makaya Ntshoko and Early Mabuza on drums. The band was in full swing in the 1960s, the height of terror on the black man. These gentlemen were young, smart, creatives and jazz- cool.After time and a lot of heated practice, they emerged as a resistant, anti-apartheid music group. Jamming into the late and fuzzy nights on the streets of Sophiatown, especially at the Jazz at the Odin Club, they morphed into the legendary Jazz Epistles.
After years in exile and liberated South Africa it is only now; for the first time in 60 years that these two iconic jazz instrumentalists, icons and South African global jazz ambassadors; Abdullah Ibrahim and Hugh Masekela will reunite and perform on one stage.
The Jazz Epistles were South Africa’s earliest most influential Jazz (bebop) band. This was an all-black, all esteemed band of young, swaggered men consisting of these world-famous names. Abdullah Ibrahim (then known as Dollar Brand) on piano, Hugh Masekela – on trumpet, Jonas Gwangwa on trombone, Kippie Moeketsi – on alto saxophone, Johnny Gertze – on bass, Makaya Ntshoko and Early Mabuza on drums. The band was in full swing in the 1960s, the height of terror on the black man. These gentlemen were young, smart, creatives and jazz- cool.After time and a lot of heated practice, they emerged as a resistant, anti-apartheid music group. Jamming into the late and fuzzy nights on the streets of Sophiatown, especially at the Jazz at the Odin Club, they morphed into the legendary Jazz Epistles.
The Critics Speak:
Of Abdullah Ibrahim:
Abdullah Ibrahim confirmed how heartwarmingly communicative he is. He barely touched the keys to unlock the secrets from classic originals like African Marketplace and The Wedding. The sidemen played with a pristine clarity, as if hypnotized by the boss’s touch on piano … at times they collectively glowed with a sound reminiscent of that of Ibrahim’s most famous patron, Duke Ellington.” - Guardian
Of Hugh Masekela:
“A musician of phenomenal grace and power…. Hugh Masekela creates an instant party, leading from vocals and flugelhorn like a South African Louis Armstrong.” – Guardian.
Concert Format: Octet
Piano, flugelhorn, trumpet, vocals, bass, cello, drums, alto saxophone, flute, clarinet, piccolo, tenor, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, baritone saxophone.
Backline:
- 1 Steinway Model D concert grand piano
- 1 bass fiddle
- 1 bass amp
- 1 jazz drum kit
- 1 double bass
- 1 cello
- Amps for horn section
For additional information contact: Maurice Montoya/Maurice Montoya Music Agency
Phone: 305-763-8961, Fax: 305-831-4472, e-mail: mm@mmmusicagency.com
Of Abdullah Ibrahim:
Abdullah Ibrahim confirmed how heartwarmingly communicative he is. He barely touched the keys to unlock the secrets from classic originals like African Marketplace and The Wedding. The sidemen played with a pristine clarity, as if hypnotized by the boss’s touch on piano … at times they collectively glowed with a sound reminiscent of that of Ibrahim’s most famous patron, Duke Ellington.” - Guardian
Of Hugh Masekela:
“A musician of phenomenal grace and power…. Hugh Masekela creates an instant party, leading from vocals and flugelhorn like a South African Louis Armstrong.” – Guardian.
Concert Format: Octet
Piano, flugelhorn, trumpet, vocals, bass, cello, drums, alto saxophone, flute, clarinet, piccolo, tenor, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, baritone saxophone.
Backline:
- 1 Steinway Model D concert grand piano
- 1 bass fiddle
- 1 bass amp
- 1 jazz drum kit
- 1 double bass
- 1 cello
- Amps for horn section
For additional information contact: Maurice Montoya/Maurice Montoya Music Agency
Phone: 305-763-8961, Fax: 305-831-4472, e-mail: mm@mmmusicagency.com
