Ticket giveaway: Pianist to perform at second Jazz series

THIS week will mark the second performance in the Words & Music concert series hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Jazz and Popular Music. Pianist, Neil Gonsalves will take to the stage for this week’s performance on November 10.

Last week’s performance saw Zoe the Seed revive live performances after a dry spell under the Covid-19 pandemic.

The series will end with a performance by duo, N’den on November 17. The concert series features songs that echo the current troubled times. Speaking to the Berea Mail, Neil Gonsalves said he will showcase new songs with an Afro Pop influence.

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“I am playing original compositions and music that I have written lyrics to, although I don’t sing, I am a piano player. Most of the music was composed under lockdown. The lyrics speak about social distancing and those kind of experiences. The music sits somewhere between jazz and RnB or pop. Where my music usually falls under afro-jazz, for this particular concert its got more of an Afro Pop influence,” he said.

Gonsalves has worked with numerous musicians, including artists who play classical Indian music and Maskandi as well as legends such as Johnny Clegg.

“My work is a bit of a melting pot of all these influences,” he said.

Gonsalves, who is the director for the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, is a composer, pianist, bandleader and music educator who has toured the world with his music. His latest album, Blessings and Blues, is a trio recording that was released in April.

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Gonsalves employs a trio+ concept, bringing additional musicians into the ensemble when the music requires, which is the case for this concert.

Zoe the Seed and Thabo Sikhakhane are regular associates of the trio.

The concerts will be streamed on the National Arts website two weeks after each performance.