International musician returns to the place of his inspiration
JOBURG – Bassline comes alive with the sounds of Bruce Cassidy.
Renowned trumpeter, music producer and arranger, Bruce Cassidy returns to South Africa with the one-of-a-kind Anti-Gravity Machine concert.
Canadian-born Cassidy’s amalgamation of western and African music performed with a 15-piece string, woodwind, brass, and jazz rhythm group will bring jazz alive for one night only, on 19 November, at the Bassline in Newtown.
Cassidy describes the Anti-Gravity Machine concert as an uplifting experience of heartfelt performances.
With musicians of the highest calibre and a repertoire of originally composed work, popular jazz and South African music, the concert promises a musical journey that echoes his influences, inspirations and world travels.
Cassidy spent 23 years in South Africa and much of his music was curated here and, accordingly, the pieces he is arranging for the performance reflect his love of the country and appreciation of his time here.
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He has worked with South African jazz greats such as Barney Rachabane, Pops Mohamed and Sibongile Khumalo. “I consider that in my own small way I am an ambassador for African music and the parts of the culture that have touched me. No one who spends any time in Africa can fail to be affected by its people’s elemental earthiness, generosity and passion.”
The group is a diverse mix of musicians who are passionate about their performances, and Cassidy is arranging the music to suit their style ensuring their musical pleasure is passed forward to the audiences.
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“There will be 16 of us on stage – the unusual element will be a string quartet. This group is large enough to cover the whole tonal spectrum, but not so large as to be unwieldy – just right to be fleet of foot and stomp when necessary,” Cassidy explained.
“Those who know my Hotfoot Orchestra will recognise some of those themes – in new clothing – that I hope they will find more graceful, subtle and articulate. I am confident that we all will experience lift off. Come and enjoy a flight with us,” he concluded.
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