Latest news with #Butman
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
From Russia with Resonance: Igor Butman Quartet's Triumph at CTIJF 2025
Igor Butman Quartet on the Rosies stage during the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers Among the many great performances at the 2025 Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the Igor Butman Quartet carved out a space entirely their own — a realm defined by dazzling virtuosity and the profound art of musical conversation. This performance stood among the most outstanding of the festival. For Igor Butman, Russia's world-renowned tenor saxophonist, playing at this iconic gathering fulfilled a long-held dream. Speaking ahead of his set, he described the opportunity to perform at the CTICC as a 'dream come true.' That sense of awe and gratitude infused the evening — a set that transcended technical brilliance and became a living testament to music's universal spirit. At 63, Butman performed with stamina and expressive breadth that defied expectation. His saxophone tone shifted seamlessly between mischievous play, aching nostalgia, and jubilant celebration — sometimes all within a single phrase. So many dizzying ingredients, so many energetic yet tendered bursts, that one was left wondering whether Butman was not receiving his oxygen and life force from some otherworldly source. He was joined by a trio of fellow maestros: Oleg Akkuratov (piano and vocals), Nikolay Zatolochny (double bass), and Eduard Zizak (drums). Together they fashioned a music of dialogue — listening, teasing, provoking, and elevating one another's ideas with intuitive mastery. Igor Butman Quartet on the Rosies stage during the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers The set opened with "Falling Out", a spirited, mock argument between piano and saxophone — a musical skirmish that established the night's ethos of lively, unfolding conversation. Soon after, the quartet paid tribute to Russian popular memory with a high-energy interpretation of a beloved childhood animation theme. The piece was underpinned with intricate complexity, a fast-paced, almost march-like beat merging with soaring, high-energy saxophone runs. Butman's phrasing captured both innocence and sophisticated wit, while Akkuratov's piano painted vivid flashes of nostalgia. Zizak's drumming provided the kinetic heart of the evening — explosive yet precise, elastic yet controlled. His dynamic sensitivity gave the quartet's music urgency without ever overpowering its inner lyricism. A soulful rendering of "Mississippi Dreams" revealed the group's lyrical tenderness. Akkuratov's velvet-fingered piano wove meditative, resonant lines across the soundscape, while Zatolochny's bass shaped the harmonic ground with understated authority. Blind from birth, Akkuratov's playing rose from a profound internal vision, sculpting emotion into every phrase. Midway through the performance, Akkuratov took the microphone to sing a slow Russian ballad. His voice, both fragile and resilient, carried the melody with understated sincerity. As the piece unfolded, the quartet's improvisational energy gradually transformed the texture: the ballad, initially tender and solemn, was underpinned by a reconstructive swing feel, infused with a rising pulse of high-energy rhythms and intricate interplay. This reconstruction allowed the piece to breathe and evolve, lifting it from its melancholic origins into a vibrant, shifting exploration. Later, a slow, saxophone-led piece, an original titled Nostalgia, unfolded with aching beauty. Butman's long, shimmering lines suspended time itself, floating over Akkuratov's delicate piano voicings and Zatolochny's lyrical bass murmurs. Nostalgia was followed by "I Love You Baby", another vivid showcase intercepted with magnificent solos, allowing each musician to stretch, provoke, and reflect in turn. In a moving gesture of connection to the Cape Town audience, Akkuratov also sang Malaika, the beloved Swahili love song. His careful pronunciation and heartfelt delivery created a rare moment of unguarded communion, a bridge between continents built through pure feeling. Igor Butman Quartet on the Rosies stage during the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers The climactic moment arrived with Buratino — the Russian adaptation of Pinocchio. The quartet hurled themselves into a whirlwind of sound, Butman's saxophone darting and spiralling with gleeful abandon, Zizak's drumming erupting in controlled, volcanic bursts. The piece was frenetic, intricate, and exhilarating — a masterclass in creative abandon harnessed by sharp intellect. Throughout the evening, Zatolochny's bass grounded the ensemble's most daring flights with melodic strength and rhythmic surety, his playing the invisible architecture supporting the music's ever-changing forms. The Igor Butman Quartet achieved luminous artistry rarely encountered: transforming a concert into a living act of conversation — playful, profound, and intellectually exhilarating. Their performance stood as a radiant affirmation of jazz's highest purpose: to create living spaces where memory, imagination, culture, and spirit converge. Among the many voices and visions at the 2025 Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the Igor Butman Quartet lit up a space with world-class artistry that will not be easily forgotten. By Gillian Schutte
IOL News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Jazzy affair: Renowned Russian saxophonist, Igor Butman, wows jazz lovers at CTIJF 2025
Igor Butman Quartet on the Rosies stage during the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers Jazz aficionados made sure that they didn't miss out on the lively sounds of renowned Russian saxophonist, Igor Butman, as he took to the Rosies Stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) last night (Saturday, April 26). Together with his quartet, which includes Oleg Akkuratov (piano), Nikolay Zatolochny (double bass) and Eduard Zizak (drums), they delivered an electrifying performance at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Lovers of all things jazz are well acquainted with the skill needed to allow for improvisation in music performances. Jazz artists are known for having that expert ear, and musicality, as they would take a rhythm and pass it along to each other - all while keeping their performance beautifully blended. Jazz music thrives through musicianship; this level of skill was on display during Butman and his quartet's performance. Igor Butman Quartet on the Rosies stage during the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers Many people in the audience couldn't help but tap along, and groove in their seats, as the melodic sounds rang out on the Rosies Stage, even prompting numerous instances of applause. Addressing the crowd, Butman said: 'We're thankful to Dr (iqbal) Survé for inviting us to this great Cape Town International Jazz Festival…We're very happy to be here in South Africa.' Their music programme featured hits from more than 10 of his albums, and he also told audiences that they were going to be playing some jazz standards, alongside the original material. Ahead of his performance, the globally renowned musician explained in an exclusive interview with 'Independent Media' that performing at the gathering is a 'dream come true.' 'So far, I am loving it, and I was here for the first time three months ago when I visited for a vacation and to do some sightseeing.' He believes that the event 'is a great idea to get all the music lovers to get together and to see the best musicians in the world, to share the music and to share the culture.' Igor Butman Quartet on the Rosies stage during the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers Igor Butman Quartet on the Rosies stage during the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Henk Kurger/Independent Newspapers With a career as a jazz musician which extends decades, he has performed for world leaders, including former US president Bill Clinton, who referred to Butman as his favourite saxophonist. He said that performing for the likes of Clinton as well as other presidents was a 'big responsibility' but he hopes to touch the souls of all those who listen to his music. Local musician, Brathew van Schalkwyk, 27, often leaves many Capetonians impressed with his musicianship when he plays at a familiar wine bar. He was in attendance at Butman's show and was impressed by what he heard. 'I've heard of Igor Butman, but I've never heard his music, and so seeing them here tonight at the CTIJF - especially in Rosies as it has good sound… (You can see) the chops of the cats. You can tell these are highly-skilled musicians,' Van Schalkwyk said. Igor Butman Quartet on the Rosies stage during the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers 'The sounds that Igor gets, the tone of the bassist and the pianist is just phenomenal. He has got chops for days, and he's got a really nice voice. 'It was a really long journey, but it was a journey worth taking because you get inspired by things like this, and that's kind of been the whole thing with coming to the CTIJF.' Van Schalkwyk said that they definitely need to come back to Cape Town again, to do more workshops - like they did recently - just to 'spread it even further cause we can learn from them, and they can learn from us'.
IOL News
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
CTIJF 2025 grand finale: the jazz stars set to sizzle as the city plans to swing all night, tonight
Scenes from last night's Cape Town International Jazz Festival events at the CTICC. Tonight is expected to be just as vibrant, if not more so. Image: Armand Hough/ Independent Newspapers It has been a Cape Town International Jazz Festival to remember with still one night left to savour and take in local and global sensations at the CTICC tonight. The festival this year has had quite a few coups, and many of them will be on stage tonight, in the last night of yet another successful jazz festival which has proven why it is known as Africa's Grandest Gathering. Here is a sample of some of the acts on the stages tonight. KIPPIES LIRA at 18.45 A voice that transcends time, a presence that commands the stage, Lira returns to #CTIJF2025. Image: Supplied A voice that resonates with grace, strength, and pure soul, Lira is a true icon of Afro-soul and jazz. Effortlessly blending rich, velvety vocals with uplifting melodies, she crafts performances that are both intimate and transcendent. Her music carries wisdom, passion, and a timeless elegance - an experience that stays with you long after the final note. Thandiswa Mazwai at 22.15 Thandiswa Mazwai stands ready to cast her spell through music, holding the promise of heartfelt connections and a celebration of jazz that is, as she states, both revolutionary and soulful ay the CTIJF tonight. Image: File image A cultural icon and one of South Africa's most powerful voices, Mazwai embodies the soul of a nation. Seamlessly weaving Xhosa heritage with jazz, soul, and Afro-futurism, her performances are nothing short of transformative—charged with emotion, storytelling, and an undeniable stage presence. Expect a performance that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. ROSIES Igor Butman Quartet at 23.45 Russian jazz saxophonist Igor Butman at the Cape Town Waterfront ahead of his performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival tonight. Image: Picture:Ian Landsberg. Renowned Russian saxophonist and bandleader Igor Butman stands as a towering figure in the jazz world. Together with his quartet, which includes Oleg Akkuratov (piano), Nikolay Zatolochny (double bass) and Eduard Zizak (drums), Butman is set for an electrifying performance tonight. As the leader of the Moscow Jazz Orchestra, Butman has collaborated with international jazz luminaries, bringing Russian jazz to global prominence. His performances are celebrated for their technical brilliance and emotive depth, offering audiences a masterclass in contemporary jazz artistry. Bill Clinton, a well-known saxophone enthusiast and former US president, once praised Butman as "one of the greatest saxophonists in the world". Bombay Lights at 18:00 Bombay Lights promises to enchant audiences with their unique fusion of soul and Indian classical roots blended seamlessly with contemporary jazz. Image: Lutho Pasiya A sonic journey through soul, Indian classical roots, jazz, and modern textures, Bombay Lights creates music that is both hypnotic and deeply emotive. Their sound pulses with dreamy melodies, intricate rhythms, and an unmistakable cinematic feel, offering a performance that is as immersive as it is unforgettable. MOLELEKWA Malcolm Jiyane at 20.30pm Celebrated trombonist and bandleader Malcolm Jiyane will perform at CTIJF 2025. Image: Andile Buka Trombonist, composer, and visionary, Jiyane crafts music that is raw, deeply spiritual and emotionally charged. Drawing from South Africa's rich jazz heritage while shaping something entirely his own, his performances are a profound expression of history, identity, and pure creative fire. Benjamin Jeptha ft. Kujenga at 00.30 Representing the contemporary soul of jazz, Benjamin Jephta is a rising star known for his innovative sound that blends African rhythms with modern jazz and hip hop. Image: Hymie Sokhupa
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Experience the magic of Igor Butman, renowned Russian saxophonist, at CTIJF's second night
World-famous Russian saxophone player Igor Butman is thrilled to be serenading festinos at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF). Together with his quintet, which includes Nick Levinovsky (piano), Evgeny Pobozhiy (guitar), Sergey Korchagin (double bass) and Eduard Zizak (drums), Butman and his team are set for an electrifying performance at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Saturday, April 26. The program will feature hits from more than 10 of his albums, and ahead of his performance, the globally renowned musician explained in an exclusive interview with 'Independent Media' that performing at the gathering is a 'dream come true.' 'Thanks to (Dr Iqbal) Survé, we are here,' he exclaimed. Having always admired the CTIJF, this will be Butman's first performance at the event and only his second visit to the Mother City. 'So far, I am loving it, and I was here for the first time three months ago when I visited for a vacation and to do some sightseeing.' He believes that the event 'is a great idea to get all the music lovers to get together and to see the best musicians in the world, to share the music and to share the culture.'
Chicago Tribune
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Four new members win seats on Oak Park Public Library Board
Four new members of the Oak Park Public Library Board will be sworn in next month after both incumbents running for reelection lost April 1, according to unofficial election results, a little more than a year after the Library Board voted to fire former executive director Joslyn Bowling Dixon. Library Board President Matt Furth, who has been on the Library Board for 20 years, following in the footsteps of his father, finished last in a field of eight candidates, a stunning rebuke. Fruth received only 2,654 votes, lagging far behind first place finisher Annie Wilkinson who led the field with 5,169 votes. 'I'm proud and delighted to have been elected and to have received a vote of confidence from our community in support of my values and candidacy and for my vision for our library,' Wilkinson said in an email. 'I'm looking forward to governing in collaboration with everyone else elected to and sitting on our Library Board to lead our library into an exciting future.' Incumbent Maya Ganguly, who was seeking a second term, finished in sixth place and currently has 3,260 votes. Neither Fruth nor Ganguly responded to a request for comment. The other six candidates were divided into two rival slates. All the members of the A Library for All, for Always slate were elected including Wilkinson, Colin Bird-Martinez, who is in third place with 4,554 votes, and fourth place finisher Mika Yamamoto who has 4,416 votes. Megan Butman who ran on another slate is in second with 5,022 votes, running far ahead of slate mates Bruce Brigell, who is in 5th place with 3,476 votes and Dan Suber, at seventh with 3,180 votes. 'I don't know how I got through but I did,' Butman said. The Wilkinson, Bird-Martinez, and Yamamoto slate has decidedly left of center views and were backed by the progressive activists active in the Activate Oak Park group. 'They have a whole group behind them and we were running sort of independently,' Butman said. Wilkinson, Bird-Martinez and Yamamoto all supported firing Dixon but did not seem to emphasize that in their campaign and they did not pay a political price for the firing that the incumbents apparently did. They emphasized continued antiracism work at the library and reaching out to youth and marginalized communities. All three members of the slate went door to door ringing doorbells and talking to potential voters during the last three weeks of the campaign. 'We ran a nuts and bolts campaign, especially in the last weeks we were canvassing,' Bird-Martinez said, noting 'family members and friends joined us especially on the weekend ones.' While he was going door to door, Bird-Martinez said, some voters told him that it was the first time a Library Board candidate had ever knocked on their door. Butman, Brigell and Suber did no door knocking. Butman, a professional law librarian, said she had qualms about door knocking because she doesn't think of being on the Library Board as a political position. 'I don't know about the others but for me personally there was a big internal conflict with that,' Butman said. Brigell, a retired librarian, and Suber, a recently retired lawyer, said that they doubted that door knocking would have made a difference for them in the race. 'I think we gave it a good effort,' Brigell said. 'I can't say for sure what that traditional door to door, standing by the train station or the polling places would have done.' Wilkinson, Bird-Martinez, and Yamamoto were all on the list of endorsed or suggested candidates that Activate Oak Park, a local progressive group that had won up and down the ballot in this election. Volunteers connected with Activate Oak Park and others were passing out the cards of endorsed candidates at every polling place on Election Day while the Butman, Brigell and Suber slate had no one passing out palm cards on Election Day. 'We thought that most people walking in (to vote) had already made a decision,' Brigell said. Butman had mixed feelings the day after Election Day: happy that she was elected but disappointed that her slate mates were not. 'It's bittersweet,' Butman said. 'I'm disappointed. I am not aligned with the others (who were elected). They were all aligned with the firing of Joslyn and pro the way it was handled.' Butman wasn't sure why she was successful while her slate mates were not. Butman and others offered a variety of theories why Butman ran so far ahead of her slate mates when they campaigned as a group and espoused generally the same views. Butman has an active social media presence, while her older slate mates did not. Another factor was that Butman was the first name listed on a ballot which political scientists say can give a candidate as much at least a four to five percent boost over candidates whose names are lower on the ballot. And Butman is a woman and women often have an advantage in lower profile races. Finally Butman is 20 years younger than her slate mates. 'I think it's woman, I think it's first (on the ballot), I think it's I'm a professional librarian who has lived here for 22 years,' Butman said. Bird-Martinez said that he thought Butman had more of a social network in Oak Park than her slate mates. 'She has a lot of connections in the community and she's been more involved,' Bird-Martinez said. Two days before the election the West Cook Branch of Chicago Democratic Socialists of America inserted themselves in the library race and the Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 school board race. An email sent by the DSA group endorsed Wilkinson, Bird-Martinez and Yamamoto and attacked Butman, Brigell and Super as 'reactionaries'. Butman, Brigell and Suber shook their heads at the description of them as 'reactionaries.' 'They painted us in the worst possible light with half-truths and lies,' said Brigell, a member of the American Civil Liberties Union who has been active in his younger days in Democratic Party politics. Butman decried the attacks. The DSA email praised Wilkinson, Bird-Martinez and Yamamoto, but Bird-Martinez said his slate had nothing to do with the email. 'We found out after the election, so we weren't, like, notified or anything like that and we didn't seek that endorsement,' Bird-Martinez said. Butman said she hopes, once seated, the new Library Board can work together, but she has concerns about what she fears will be attempts to politicize the library. 'I think it's going to be difficult,' she said. Bird-Martinez said that he plans to reach out soon to Butman. 'We have to all work together,' Bird-Martinez said. 'I want to reach out to her soon and make sure we all have good relationships together. I really hope that we're not going to have acrimony on the board and I don't think we will.'
