South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, who spent the past six decades channeling Duke Ellington’s maxim that “[jazz] don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got the swing”, animates the celebratory side of his songbook at a rare concert this week.
He will be showcasing some of his most well-loved compositions with the 18-piece New South African Orchestra featuring Andile Yenana on the piano, Feya Faku on the trumpet, Barney Rachabane on the sax and Andrae Murchison on the trombone. The concert features newly arranged versions of Ibrahim standards including Manenberg, Song for Sathima, African River, The Mountain and more.
Linder Auditorium, education campus, University of the Witwatersrand. On February 17 at 8pm. Book at Computicket.
? In appraising singer-songwriter Laurie Levine’s most recent album, Six Winters, Mail & Guardian critic Chris Roper called it “exquisitely realised — A particular brand of new folk that’s both adult-contemporary and coolly retro.” He also called it “a sad, naked declaration of a stymied present and a mooted intent”. Levine has twice been nominated for a South African Music Award in the best adult contemporary category and — if one must cite similarities — has been compared to Katie Melua, Lucinda Williams, Alison Krauss, Diana Krall and Emmylou Harris. Catch her this week at the Maboneng Precinct.
Popart Performing Arts Centre, 286 Fox Street, Main Street Life, Maboneng Precinct. On February 23 at 8pm. Tickets are R80 and booking is essential. Book at popartcentre.co.za
? Catch the casino gig with a cheesy title. One Night in Africa with South Africa’s Fabulous Feb Four includes Thandiswa Mazwai, Zakes Bantwini, Noxolo Hlatshwayo and Mafikizolo hero Theo Kgosinkwe, who has composed for local luminaries including the late Busi Mhlongo, Thembisile, Unathi and Hugh Masekela. Mazwai is the stylish proponent of Xhosa funk, Bantwini is a founder of what has been dubbed Durban kwaito and Hlatshwayo is a Durban-born vocalist equally at home with melodic jazz and Afro-soul forms.
The Big Top Arena, Carnival City Casino, off the N17 highway, corner of Heidelberg Road, Brakpan. Tickets are R240 and R280. Book at Computicket and Shoprite Checkers. Tel: 011 915 5800.
? Friday night at the Bohemian sees a clash of the titans of Johannesburg’s live music scene. Afro-dub rockers the BLK JKS will be returning to the stage for the first time in a while to get sweaty. Joining them will be one of Johannesburg’s rising stars, Shadowclub, the blues-rockers whose debut album made waves last year.
The Bohemian, 5 Park Road, Richmond. On February 17. Doors open at 8pm and R60 gets you in. Website: thebo.co.za.