International Jazz Extravaganza set for Durban
Every one of Kurt Elling's ten albums have been nominated for a Grammy award.
FROM the big-band sounds of swing to the soulful notes of rhythm and blues, jazz-lovers will want to diarise Saturday, 17 June when the second International Jazz Extravaganza (IJE) returns to Durban.
Taking place at the Durban International Convention Centre-Arena (Durban ICC-Arena), the star-studded line-up includes award winning American classic, Monty Alexander. “The International Jazz Extravaganza is growing into Durban’s very own signature event for those passionate about jazz both in South Africa and from abroad. It is an intimate one-night-only affair featuring leading international and South African jazz musicians.
“Offering a superior four act line-up, the IJE is where music, fine-dining and networking come together in a luxurious setting,” said president and chief executive officer of the IJE, Sindile Xulu.
Monty Alexander has been known to say, “For the most part, when I play music, I smell it and see colours. Every song has its own personality, its own soul, and if I can’t feel it, I can’t play it with feeling.”
Jazz connoisseurs can also look forward to a special appearance by Alexander’s band, the highly-acclaimed Harlem-Kingston Express, who will be joining him live on stage. Music icon Kurt Elling will no doubt also be a huge draw card for jazz aficionados to the IJE.
With every one of his 10 albums being nominated for a Grammy, Elling is well-known for the impressive technical mastery and emotional depth of his rich baritone voice. Local artist and SAMA nominated Nduduzo Makhatini, who has won the hearts of jazz lovers internationally and sensational new vocalist and pianist Thandi Ntuli complete the line-up. Tickets to the IJE are available at Computicket.
