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Mail & Guardian
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Jazz in focus: Capturing a sound in image
Jazz in focus: The Peffers Fine Art booth at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair in Cape Town Jazz has to be seen live to be appreciated. That might sound like a platitude that could apply to any genre of music but, for me, it was a revelation. As a person whose ears were more finely attuned to rap and rock from a lifetime of listening, every attempt I made to listen to jazz in the privacy of my home ended in failure. Until I experienced it live. Some of the best moments of my life have been seated in a dimly lit room in front of a big jazz band. Nothing compares to seeing a six- or seven-piece ensemble playing at the peak of their powers, with an audience congregated to witness the holy communion of drums, bass guitar, double bass, piano, sax and trumpet. It was only once I had worshipped at the church of a sold-out jazz gig, and sat in the presence of the genre being created live and in the moment, that I was able to appreciate it. I had this on my mind last weekend when I encountered the booth hosted by Cape Town gallery Peffers Fine Art at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair. What I found was an exploration of South African jazz seen through the discerning eyes of legendary photographers. It was an encounter with a hard-to-describe beauty, an attempt to capture the ephemeral magic that makes this genre of music so special. The booth, a selection from the larger Back of the Moon exhibition, was the brainchild of Ruarc Peffers, often working with Matthew Blackman of the publisher Blackman Rossouw. Theirs is a fascinating, almost informal collaboration, where Blackman delves into the historical depths, unearthing narratives and forgotten faces, and Peffers brings a curatorial vision to the surface. The idea for this compelling booth began somewhat organically. 'Initially, it started with Ruarc representing the Alf Kumalo estate and then also working with the Baha Archives,' Blackman recounted. A casual conversation about the Journey to Jazz Festival in Prince Albert led to the idea of an exhibition. 'I made an offhand comment that maybe we could do an exhibition of jazz photography with them,' Blackman shared. This initial focus on Kumalo's work gradually expanded: 'As the project developed, we began to pull in all of the other photographers of that era. And then, you know, we finally pulled in the Ernest Cole photographs from the final chapter of the republished House of Bondage book.' Musician Moshe Kgasoane and comedian Loyiso Gola at the Peffers booth The Latitudes showing felt like a concentrated essence of that larger exploration, a collection of moments plucked from a rich and resonant past. The exhibition ultimately featured the work of not only Kumalo and Cole, but also Bob Gosani, GR Naidoo and Jürgen Schadeberg. Walking through the booth, I was struck by the way these photographers, each with their distinct approach, managed to capture something beyond the mere visual representation of musicians. There were the familiar giants, Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba, their images carrying the weight of their immense cultural impact. But it was the glimpses of lesser-known figures that truly resonated. Blackman's research illuminated the story of Gideon Nxumalo, a jazz innovator whose contribution in the Sixties deserves far more recognition. He found it interesting 'how there are these forgotten figures in our jazz history and … how truly incredible they really were among them'. To see Nxumalo captured at his piano by both Kumalo and Cole felt like witnessing a vital piece of history reclaiming its rightful place. Similarly, the photographs of Philip Tabane and Julian Bahula, pioneers of the Malombo Jazz Men, spoke to a crucial shift in the South African jazz landscape, a move towards a more homegrown sound. Through the lenses of Cole and Kumalo, their revolutionary spirit was palpable. This wasn't just a random assortment of photos. It felt like a deliberate curation of narratives. Some images were instantly recognisable, having become ingrained in our collective memory through album covers and publications. 'There's the famous Miriam Makeba by Jürgen Schadeberg, which was an obvious one,' Blackman noted. But it was the discovery of previously unseen or misidentified photos, particularly from the Ernest Cole archive, that held a particular allure. Blackman recounted the detective-like process of identifying subjects. He found it 'interesting that there's so many photographs in our archives that are sort of unidentified'. These rediscoveries underscored the depth and untapped potential in our photographic archives. Even a seemingly simple image of Masekela with a trumpet-maker, unearthed and correctly identified, held a quiet power, a glimpse into the everyday life of a legend. 'That was actually the one, interestingly, that Hugh's daughter had never seen before,' Blackman shared, highlighting the fresh perspective these discoveries brought. What, then, makes a jazz photograph truly special? It's a question I pondered as I moved from frame to frame. Jazz, at its core, is an improvisational, atmospheric art form. How do you capture the fleeting beauty of a saxophone solo, the rhythmic pulse of the drums, in a static image? Blackman articulated this challenge beautifully: 'Jazz, being music, is obviously an art form, which is one that is difficult to represent in written language … But a photo can capture the kind of poetry of that music because there's movement and obviously atmosphere.' The most compelling jazz photographs are those that transcend mere documentation. They aren't just about who was playing but about the feeling, the communication between the musicians, the sheer immersion in the act of creation. Alf Kumalo's image of Winston Mankunku, shrouded in cigarette smoke, his saxophone a conduit for something profound is an embodiment of a mood, an era, a feeling. Blackman pointed out some were posed due to the limitations of the equipment. 'Many of the early photographs are of jazz musicians posing as if they are in a jazz club rather than actually being in the jazz club.' Yet, even in these staged moments, there's an attempt to convey the spirit of the music. As technology evolved, photographers gained the ability to capture the raw energy of live performances. But, regardless of the setting, the great photographs capture moments of intense focus, where the musician is utterly lost in their craft. They're often not looking at the camera; they're in conversation with their instruments, with the music. There's something inspiring, almost primal, about witnessing that level of dedication frozen in time. 'The key is it's a photographer, who is an artist capturing somebody … making art themselves; there's this beautiful symbiotic connection.' The response to the booth was enthusiastic and culminated in it winning the audience choice award. 'I was really delighted to see how many young people were coming through, recognising who some of these jazz musicians were and taking selfies next to them,' Blackman said. Leaving the booth felt strangely akin to leaving a jazz gig, my senses still ringing with the rhythm of what I'd just experienced, reluctant to return to the silence outside. Just as it took witnessing jazz live for me to truly understand its power, it took standing face to face with these photographs to realise how deeply the genre's energy lives beyond the music itself. There, suspended in stillness, was the very essence I had first encountered in a crowded, low-lit room — the pulse, the presence, the communion. These images didn't just show me jazz. They made me feel it, again.
CBS News
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
George Strait and Chris Stapleton are coming to Pittsburgh. Here's what to know.
George Strait, the king of country music, is coming to Pittsburgh with Chris Stapleton on Saturday. Straight is the only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades, and with more than 30 different platinum or multi-platinum albums, he has the third most certifications of any artist, only behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. He'll be joined by eight-time Grammy winner Chris Stapleton and Parker McCollum. If you're going to the show, here's what you need to know. When do gates open? Gates open at 4:30 p.m., an hour after the ticket office opens at 3:30 p.m. The show starts at 5:45 p.m. Fans with general tickets can use any gate to enter the stadium. Those with floor tickets should use Gate 6 on Reedsdale Street. When do parking lots open? Parking lots on the North Shore will open for tailgating at 12:45 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic. This weekend is also Pittsburgh's Pride celebration, so more people will be coming Downtown. Acrisure Stadium says concertgoers can use JustPark to pre-purchase a parking pass, though inventory is limited. If you're looking to save money on parking, you can park Downtown and ride the T for free. Acrisure Stadium's bag policy The concert will follow the NFL's clear bag policy, but the stadium encourages fans to leave their bags at home. If you need to bring one, you can bring a clear plastic bag the size of a 1-gallon Ziploc bag or a small handheld purse clutch. One thing you don't need to bring: cash. Acrisure Stadium is a cashless venue, both for concessions and merch. Credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted.
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
One of the UK's most popular seaside towns has California-like beach bar named one of the best in the country
OHSO Social on Brighton's promenade has been named one of the best beach bars in the UK - and is said to feel like California. The seaside bar receives rave reviews from punters with one even calling it a 'slice of Ibiza ' and another praising the party 'vibes'. 4 OHSO Social sits right on Brighton Beach, just seconds away from the famous pier. The website states: "Taking it's vibe from the beach clubs of California, expect a laid-back vibe with exceptional hospitality, a sun-drenched soundtrack, and view of the sea off Brighton Beach." It's open seven days a week as a cafe during the day during the evenings, it turns into a beach-side party spot with live music and DJs. It has been described as the "best place to go in Brighton" by bar-goers. Another called it a "slice of Ibiza" with another saying it had "amazing food, amazing servers, amazing vibes!" Someone else wrote on Tripadvisor: "Lovely spot and drinks on the beach. Live music too makes it really nice on a sunny day!" OHSO Social was even named as one of the top beach bars in the country by Sykes Holiday Cottages. They put together a list of the top beach bars in the UK with OHSO landing the top spot. To enjoy the summer months, OHSO has a big, large outdoor terrace that leads straight onto Brighton Beach so it really will feel like you're abroad with a beer in hand. Speaking of, the bar has beer and cider on tap, 11 signature cocktails, sharing pitchers, plenty of spirits as well as soft drinks. 'Amazing' beach bar just an hour from Manchester that punters say is 'like being abroad' 4 It's not just a drinks destination, OHSO serves food too. They've got the classic seaside favourite like fish and chips as well as scampi and mussels. There's also lots of sharers like the seafood basket as well as small plates, burgers, salads and if you've got room, dessert too. The bar is there for a drink after work, or with friends, but can be booked for parties and private events too. They're pro at organising special events from birthdays to weddings, office parties, product launches, or team away days. The website says that the bookable areas if from 8 to 500 guests. Here are the UK's best beach bars with DJ sets, sunset views and signature cocktails. Plus a . And this pretty 'seaside' town one hour from London has been named best half term day trip – with popular fish and chips & 800-year-old pub. 4
CBS News
21 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- CBS News
Caribbean meets the Florida Keys at Gramps Getaway on Virginia Key
Don't you want to just getaway? Well, Gramps Getaway on Virginia Key is your ticket out, minus the travel fees. This casual and cool waterfront restaurant and bar is located on the grounds of the Rickenbacker Marina, welcoming guests both from the land and sea. Adam Gersten, who also owns the famed Gramps Bar in Wynwood, opened this hugely successful spot about a year and half ago. The buzz around Gramps Getaway is that it's the place to be. "It's kind of hard to beat the view and then on top of that we actually have great drinks and great food," Gersten explained. "Also, you know, we always say music is a big feature of Gramps generally, so that's also been folded in here to the new location." Happy hour brings great deals on drinks and food. But Gersten says pricing has been fair since day one. "We've been doing recession pricing for happy hour and lunch before the recession started, so we're ready for it," he said. DJ's and live music play throughout the week, and there's a weather plan as well. "Also in the summer when it gets real hot, starts raining, we also have performance space inside and a full bar inside and tables and stuff," Gersten added. Regulars rave about making this their weekly destination. "My friend is visiting from New Jersey. She just landed like 5 minutes ago. I said we're going to my favorite place. You're gonna get the best broccoli salad, the best drinks, the best views. Like I kind of don't want to tell people about this place, but, yeah," Nada Venkabbou, a regular guest, said. Ashley Harbidge agreed. "It's a great vibe, great eats, great drinks. I got the margarita," she said. Caribbean meets the Florida Keys Executive Chef James McNeal prepares his Caribbean/Florida Keys style menu with care and attention to detail. "Really fresh ingredients, unique and proper technique, but overall just really simple food done well," McNeal explained about his culinary philosophy. Menu Highlights: Smoked Fish Dip with Housemade Chips and Sweet and Spicy Pickled Peppers Blackened Mahi Sandwich with Housemade Peaklis Sauce Signature Smash Burger with Pickles, Tangy Mustard Sauce and Melted Cheese Broccoli Salad Gramps Getaway is open 7 days a week. They have happy hours Monday through Friday from 4 p.m to 7 p.m. Boaters are encouraged to contact them on Instagram or directly for arrangements. For more info: On Instagram @grampsgetaway
BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
In the Nave: Church hopes live music will put venue 'on the map'
A church which doubles as a music venue to help pay its bills is hosting a new series of concerts which it hopes will put it on the Peter's Church in Parkstone often plays host to tribute acts and DJs but a new partnership will see it host some "very special" gigs by international rector, the Reverend Mike Trotman, said the concert series - In the Nave - would be "carefully navigated"."We don't want anything too sweary," he said. "We need to tap in to what makes this a unique and special place." The rector, who describes himself as a music lover, said he began exploring the idea of hosting concerts after hearing about Mr Kyps, a popular music venue in Parr Street which closed in 2018."There's a real appetite for live music," he said."I genuinely think we are doing something very special."The concerts, for up to 400 people, are being organised by music management firm Ali Tillet said he wanted to "put the venue on the map for amazing artists to come and play year in, year out". The first gig will feature Annie and the Caldwells, a soul band from Mississippi, signed to David Byrne's LukaBop record label."It's great to have them coming," said Mr Tillet."They will definitely bring the energy to the church because they are from a church background in America as well."Mr Tillet said he was "hugely excited" about the project."If we can get the artists I'm potentially going to have in the next 18 months to come and play, they will be moments that, if you are able to get tickets to those shows, you will remember it for a long time." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
