WBGO Blog

  • South By South Africa: 5 Jazz Acts From The Rainbow Nation

    April 12, 2013. Posted by Simon Rentner.

    Add new comment | Filed under: A Blog Supreme
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    The pianist and saxophonist Kyle Shepherd is one of Cape Town's most highly tipped musicians. (Image Credit: freelenz/Flickr)

    Brilliant art often hides in plain sight. Such is the case in South Africa, where, for centuries, the country turned its back on black and "coloured" musicians.

    In the mid-'60s, the apartheid government made it impossible for its best musicians to operate or make a living. Being a true jazz musician in the apartheid era was particularly dangerous; artists who played music that symbolized empowerment, integration and freedom posed a direct threat. This is why so few "classic" South African jazz recordings exist in the first place. Now, as South Africa enters a modern age, many of the same problems that frustrate American jazz artists actually plague South Africans. Recording contracts for its elders are few and far between.

    That said, there's one bright light in the country: The Cape Town International Jazz Festival, one of Africa's largest music events. Last weekend, jazz — and all that it represents — was celebrated as a vital component of South African identity. This "grandest gathering," as it was called, not only drew a massive audience (26,000 people in two days), but also attracted Africa's top business leaders and dignitaries, including South Africa's president himself.

    Here are five South Africans — all featured at this year's festival — whom every jazz aficionado should know.

    Read more

    © 2013 WBGO

  • Guitarist Kevin Eubanks with Rhonda Hamilton

    April 11, 2013. Posted by Tim Wilkins.

    Add new comment | Filed under: Interviews, Jazz Alive, Rhonda Hamilton

    Guitarist Kevin Eubanks talks with Rhonda Hamilton about his Mack Avenue album, The Messenger. Eubanks, who was the leader of the Tonight Show Band for fifteen years,  performs at New York's Birdland jazz club on April 11, 12 and 13. Eubanks also appeared on WBGO's JazzSet in 2012. Enjoy!

    eubanksrhonda1

    © 2013 WBGO

  • Eli Yamin and Evan Christopher With Gary Walker

    April 11, 2013. Posted by Tim Wilkins.

    Add new comment | Filed under: gary walker, Interviews, Jazz Alive

    Pianist Eli Yamin and clarinetist Evan Christopher talk with Gary Walker about their new CD, Louie's Dream, an homage to Louis Armstrong. Enjoy!

    yaminchristopher1

    © 2013 WBGO