THE Melvin Peters Quartet will be performing at The Jazzy Rainbow on Friday, 20 January, as part of the Concerts SA Venue Circuit aimed at fostering a love and support for live music.
The Quartet comprises four of Durban’s finest jazz musicians. The group has performed together for several years and have a repertoire that ranges from mainstream to modern jazz.
The musicians have an attachment to the University of KwaZulu-Natal and at some point in their careers have either studied or taught at this institution. Melvin Peters, who leads the group on piano, studied under the tutelage of Darius Brubeck in the early eighties and graduated with a Master of Music degree in 1989. The saxophone player, Dr Jeff Robinson, is a retired academic; however he continues to lecture part-time at UKZN in the field of Music Education. Bassist Ildo Nanja is presently involved in post-graduate studies, whilst drummer Bruce Baker is currently the drum tutor at UKZN.
The Melvin Peters Quartet has a strong musical identity which is a result of their original compositions. Peters is the main composer; however Ildo and Jeff have also contributed in this regard. The music of the quartet is therefore quite interesting with an eclectic mix of different influences. Their music would appeal primarily to jazz aficionados who are well versed with the mainstream tradition. As part of their repertoire, the group has also explored music emanating from the South African jazz tradition. In this regard, they have performed music by local luminaries, including Abdullah Ibrahim and Winston Mankunku. More recently, the group performed a tribute to world-renowned jazz pianist, Dave Brubeck.
Doors open at 7pm and entrace is R70 which includes a free drink.
