Sof’town Mix to celebrate Trains to Taung’s 20 years

SOPHIATOWN – Catch Paul Hanmer live, playing songs from his notable debut album, Trains to Taung.

August 28, 2017

Roxy de Villiers 1 minute read

Paul Hanmer plays what he is known best for – the piano. Photo: Supplied

Sophiatown the Mix and Sophiatown Jazz Encounters will be encountering Paul Hanmer.

Hanmer will be performing at the Trevor Huddlestone Centre on 8 September to celebrate 20 years of his landmark debut album Trains to Taung. The album has been called an important collection of music in the South African jazz songbook. The album featured well-known jazz artists such as Denis Lalouette, Louis Mhlanga and Basi Mahlasela, among others.

Since the release of the album in 1997, Hanmer has released five more albums, the last being in 2011.

While the evening promises to be a mixture of minimalist jazz and African mbaqanga sounds, the evening will start with a discussion by renowned jazz journalist and writer, Gwen Ansel.

Hanmer, Ansell, Kevin Stuart (formerly of Sheer Sound), Brad Holmes (former owner and managing director of Bassline) as well as André Abrahamse (one of two Trains to Taung featured bassists) will host the jazz and history discussion.

The music section of the programme will then be kicked off by a duo performance by Hanmer on piano and Abrahamse on electric bass.

Organisers invite the community and jazz enthusiasts to come along with picnic baskets and celebrate with them.