House on the Hill

26/06/2023

Thjs is pretty much how HOUSE ON THE HILL started, and was produced before we had decent cameras, lights or funding ! this was June/July 2020 - the Covid lockdown was in full effect, and self sufficiency was the medium imposed upon the project. It was during this time we had the idea for the community jazz showcase series, and this was an important first step in the development of HOTH. An origins story from the archive !
Without being able to call upon any of our colleagues or peers, Romy and I set about creating and recording a series of loops and grooves, using only organic, non-digital instruments, implements and common household utensils (in plain english we used some pots and pans and all of our alter egos) .. good vibes from a crazy time ..

Thjs is pretty much how House on the Hill started, and was produced before we had decent cameras, lights or funding ! this was June/July 2020 - the Covid loc...

23/06/2022

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhthU1zLz6U

16/06/2022

It's not without some sadness that we announce the last episode of our South African Jazz Showcase series ! (hopefully, just for the time being). Episode 24 features one of Mzansi's much loved trumpet icons, and composer extraordinaire Feya Faku, alongside two other greats in Bokani Dyer on Rhodes and Shane Cooper on upright bass. Bra Feya is legend in the game, and here he makes magic in this more spacious trio setting, with Shane and Bokani providing a sensitive yet thoroughly grooving musical dialogue. Musical mastery at it's finest ... save the date good peeps, kick back and let the music transport you. 23 June, 8pm on our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyOTbV3-ZgyBfrcspr62G1w

09/06/2022

episode 23 airs tonight at 8pm !

Episode 23 of our South African Jazz Showcase series features the soulful vocal duo of Spha Mdlalose and T**i Luzipo, alongside Lungelo Ngcobo on Rhodes and ...

03/06/2022

We're back with the final two episodes of our South African Jazz Showcase series, and this one (ep 23) features the soulful vocal duo of Spha Mdlalose and T**i Luzipo, alongside Lungelo Ngcobo on Rhodes and Sthembiso Bhengu on trumpet. Two beautiful strong women with voices to match, and lyrics that will resonate with one and all - this is food for the soul, full of patience and depth. save the date good peeps, kick back and let the music transport you. 9th June, 8pm on our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyOTbV3-ZgyBfrcspr62G1w

24/02/2022

tonight's link ..

Episode 22 of our South African Jazz Showcase series features one of Cape Town and South Africa's musical icons, the man, the legend - Mac McKenzie, along wi...

17/02/2022

Episode 22 of our South African Jazz Showcase series features one of Cape Town and South Africa's musical icons, the man, the legend - Mac McKenzie, along with Daliwonga Tshangela on cello, Kabelo Mothlomi on violin and Peter Jaspan on oboe. this unique quartet is playing extracts from Mac's Ghoema Symphony No. 2 - angular and beautiful melodies over some wicked mad intervals and evocative grooves & progressions. this is a sound you don't hear often, and contemporary South African writing of the highest order. check it out, this you definitely won't see everyday ! with save the date good peeps, kick back and let the music transport you. 24th February, 8pm on our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyOTbV3-ZgyBfrcspr62G1w

10/02/2022

Episode 21 of our South African Jazz Showcase series features the emotive & insightful poetry of MoAfrika wa Mokgathi and her 'Kiba Trio', featuring Thembink...

03/02/2022

Episode 21 of our South African Jazz Showcase series features the emotive & insightful poetry of MoAfrika wa Mokgathi and her 'Kiba Trio', featuring Thembinkosi Mavimbela on upright bass & Sthembiso Bhengu on trumpet/flugelhorn. Moafrika's narrative is powerful & thoughtful, and the trio weaves music & poetry together in a manner that is both freely expressive & deeply rooted. The imagination is awakened, the intellect is challenged, and the soul smiles. save the date good peeps, kick back and let the music transport you. 10th February, 8pm on our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyOTbV3-ZgyBfrcspr62G1w

27/01/2022

tonight's link ! Gally on bass & vox, with Nico the music painter ..

Episode 20 of our South African Jazz Showcase series features the incredible and unique talents of music painter Nico Phooko & bass player/singer Gally Ngove...

20/01/2022

Episode 20 of our South African Jazz Showcase series features the incredible and unique talents of music painter Nico Phooko & bass player/singer Gally Ngoveni. This is truly a magical duo, with Nico painting the sound of Gally and his music - something quite special to witness and experience. both men are masters of their respective crafts, and the pairing is colourful, creative and grooving ! save the date good peeps, kick back and let the music transport you. 27 January, 8pm on our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyOTbV3-ZgyBfrcspr62G1w

13/01/2022

tonight's link !

Episode 19 of our South African Jazz Showcase series features the iconic saxophonist/composer/arranger Khaya Mahlangu and a brand new quartet, featuring Benj...

06/01/2022

Episode 19 of our South African Jazz Showcase series features the iconic saxophonist/composer/arranger Khaya Mahlangu and a brand new quartet, featuring Benjamin Jephta on bass, Sanele Phakathi on keys & Sphelelo Mazibuko on drums. Bra Khaya is an absolute legend of South African jazz, and his contribution to this music and the global growth thereof is invaluable. This killing new band lifts Mahlangu's beautiful compositions into a new space, and the playing throughout is masterful. Truly a performance for the ages. save the date good peeps, kick back and let the music transport you. 13 January, 8pm on our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyOTbV3-ZgyBfrcspr62G1w

09/12/2021

Tonight's link ..

Episode 18 of our South African Jazz Showcase series features the legendary Neil Gonsalves on Rhodes, and his Durban based Trio with Riley Giandhari on drums...

02/12/2021

Episode 18 of our South African Jazz Showcase series features the legendary Neil Gonsalves on Rhodes, and his Durban based Trio with Riley Giandhari on drums and Talent Mbatha on bass. These great musicians clearly play together a lot, and have a shared vision and empathy which really comes through in the music. this is no ordinary piano trio, and stylistically they effortlessly cover a great deal of creative territory on the South African jazz map. Durban in the house - don't miss this one ! save the date good peeps, kick back and let the music transport you. 9 December, 8pm on our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyOTbV3-ZgyBfrcspr62G1w

25/11/2021

tonight's link

Episode 17 of our South African Jazz Showcase series features saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane and his Iladi Quartet, featuring Dalisu Ndlazi on bass, Tumi Mogor...

18/11/2021

Episode 17 of our South African Jazz Showcase series features saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane and his Iladi Quartet, featuring Dalisu Ndlazi on bass, Tumi Mogorosi on drums and Jude Harpstar on Harp. This is the ensemble's first date - the music and the ex*****on thereof is profound and beautiful, with the harp adding another dimension to the sacred sonic space these great musicians occupy. an offering to relish. save the date good peeps, kick back and let the music transport you. 25 November, 8pm on our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyOTbV3-ZgyBfrcspr62G1w

11/11/2021

tonight's link :)

Episode 16 of our South African Jazz Community Showcase series features the artistry of composer/arranger/singer Ziza Muftic and her trio with Concord Nkabin...

04/11/2021

Episode 16 of our South African Jazz Community Showcase series features the artistry of composer/arranger/singer Ziza Muftic and her trio with Concord Nkabinde on bass and Graeme Sacks on guitar. As well as Ziza's own compositions, you'll hear some Mzansi jazz classics reworked and interpreted in a truly original way by this great trio. the music is approached with a softer brush, and the results are beautiful. save the date good peeps, kick back and let the music transport you. 11th November, 8pm on our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyOTbV3-ZgyBfrcspr62G1w

28/10/2021

tonight's link - see you at 8pm !

Episode 15 of our South African Jazz Community Showcase series features the prolific talents of alto man Tshepo Tsotetsi, supported by long time collaborator...

21/10/2021

Episode 15 of our South African Jazz Community Showcase series features the prolific talents of alto man Tshepo Tsotetsi, supported by long time collaborators Viwe Mkizwana on bass & S'kumbuzo Mbhele on drums. Tshepo's compositions are rich with the influences of a well travelled explorer, but firmly rooted in the South African landscape - and the love between the three guys is tangible, and fills this emotive music with joy. check out Tshepo's Rhodes chops as an added bonus here ! save the date good peeps, kick back and let the music transport you. 28 October, 8pm on our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyOTbV3-ZgyBfrcspr62G1w

14/10/2021

tonight's performance link ..

Episode 14 of our South African Jazz Community Showcase series features the incredible vocal talents of Siphephelo Ndlovu & Manana. These guys have been frie...

07/10/2021

Episode 14 of our South African Jazz Community Showcase series features the incredible vocal talents of Siphephelo Ndlovu & Ndumiso Manana. These guys have been friends for many years, and the shared approach and empathy between them is clear to see and hear. They're supported by the ever-cool Lwanda Gogwana on trumpet, and our very own mutli-talented Romy Brauteseth on electric bass. Save the date good peeps, kick back and let the music transport you. 14 October, 8pm on our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyOTbV3-ZgyBfrcspr62G1w

30/09/2021

Tonight's link ... go in deep with some good speakers/headphones ..

Episode 13 of our South African Jazz Community Showcase series features the profound offerings of Malcolm Jiyane's 'Uprize', featuring Ariel Zamonsky on bass...

28/09/2021

23/09/2021

Episode 13 of our South African Jazz Community Showcase series features the profound offerings of Malcolm Jiyane's 'Uprize', featuring Ariel Zamonsky on bass, Gontse Makhene on perc, and Amukelani on vox. These beautiful compositions are full of spirit and space, and are such a welcome refuge amidst the current madness out there. Malcolm and Amukelani's voices are clear and unique, and this performance will make you smile inside, and feel at peace. save the date good peeps, kick back and let the music transport you. 30 September, 8pm on our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyOTbV3-ZgyBfrcspr62G1w

31/07/2021

NAF ONLINE : STANDARD BANK JAZZ 2021 - FEYA FAKU SEXTET

Our last featured performance is that of the great trumpet player/composer Feya Faku and his Swiss/South African sextet featuring Domenic Landolf (tenor), Keenan Ahrends (guitar), Jean-Paul Brodbeck (piano), Fabian Gisler (bass) & Dominic Egli (drums). Feya writes beautiful music, and this group of musicians interprets the material with sensitivity and natural ease - these particular Swiss musicians have such an affinity for SA jazz, and the soloing on everyone’s part is creative and powerful. Check it out ! NB THE FEST ENDS TONIGHT !

The fest runs from 8-31 July 2021, and tickets are really affordable - R50 per show, or R800 for the entire festival (which works out to even less than R50 per show!) .. you will have to register on the site, which takes a minute or 2, but once you have an account, buying tickets for different shows is quick & easy !

Feya Faku has used his township upbringing to create a distinctive sound that has led him to become an icon amongst South African jazz horn players. The depth of his timbre has particularly attracted the attention of European musicians and he has spent time across Europe in demand as a performer and...

30/07/2021

NAF ONLINE : STANDARD BANK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021
FEATURED PERFORMANCE - JITSVINGER TRIO (RESTORIANS)

Our next featured performance is that of CT based rapper/storyteller/poet/muso Jitsvinger and his Restorians, as well as his trio (where he plays some mean guitar). This guy has such a gift with words, and his message is always relevant and never shallow - truly he is one of our best, and deserves much space in the sun ! check it out peeps ! NB THE FEST ENDS TOMORROW NIGHT !

The fest runs from 8-31 July 2021, and tickets are really affordable - R50 per show, or R800 for the entire festival (which works out to even less than R50 per show!) .. you will have to register on the site, which takes a minute or 2, but once you have an account, buying tickets for different shows is quick & easy !

Restorians, the Jitsvinger Trio’s latest musical collaboration, focuses on the social history and cultural wealth of past generations and how these shared stories create a new musical form that speaks for an entire generation. To the trio, “Music transcends borders and musicians are agents for s...

28/07/2021

NAF ONLINE : STANDARD BANK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021
FEATURED PERFORMANCE - MARCUS WYATT & ROMY BRAUTESETH : OUTOFTHELOOP

time for some shameless self promotion - the next gig we're featuring is that of the HOTH's own Marcus Wyatt and Romy Brauteseth, and their OUTOFTHELOOP project. Without being able to call upon any of their colleagues or peers, the 2 musicians set about creating and recording a series of loops and grooves, using only organic, non-digital instruments, implements and common household utensils – lockdown was in full effect, and self sufficiency was the medium imposed upon this project. it is pretty groovy and fun to watch, even if we do say so ourselves .... ;)

The fest runs from 8-31 July 2021, and tickets are really affordable - R50 per show, or R800 for the entire festival (which works out to even less than R50 per show!) .. you will have to register on the site, which takes a minute or 2, but once you have an account, buying tickets for different shows is quick & easy !

Marcus & Romy first recorded the duo during the first global lockdown in March 2020 – this first recording was in acoustic format, just bass and trumpet/flugel and featured five of Wyatt’s older and new compositions. In April 2020, the pair then decided to record another 5 compositions, but with...

27/07/2021

NAF ONLINE - STANDARD BANK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021
FEATURED PERFORMANCE - STANDARD BANK NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ BAND (CONDUCTED BY NDUDUZO MAKHATHINI)

The next featured performance is that of the official Standard Bank Youth Jazz Band, conducted by pianist/composer Nduduzo Makhathini, and featuring Ofentse Moses Sebula (tenor sax), Jed Petersen (saxes), Michael Lefa (trumpet), Lezaam Beets (trombone), Rorisang Sechele (vocal), Brathew van Schalkwyk (piano), Stephen de Souza (bass) & Dane Paris (drums). These are some of the most talented young musicians in the country, and they really play with depth and a mature emotional connection to the material presented (which is really cool !) special mention of Rorisang on the voice, who handles some tricky melodies and intervals with effortless beauty. Bravo to Nduduzo and these great young musicians ... check it out !

The fest runs from 8-31 July 2021, and tickets are really affordable - R50 per show, or R800 for the entire festival (which works out to even less than R50 per show!) .. you will have to register on the site, which takes a minute or 2, but once you have an account, buying tickets for different shows is quick & easy !

The Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band presents a selection of the top young jazz musicians in the country between the ages of 19 and 25, who have been selected through a gruelling online audition process. This year the band is under the musical direction of award-winning pianist Nduduzo Makhath...

26/07/2021

NAF ONLINE - STANDARD BANK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021
FEATURED PERFORMANCE - THE SN PROJECT

The next featured performance is that of super talented pianist/vocalist/composer Siphephelo Ndlovu, and his SN Project featuring Muhammad Dawjee (sax), Lwanda Gogwana (trumpet), Romy Brauteseth (bass), Sphelelo Mazibuko (drums) & Mihi Matshingana (vocal). Siphephelo writes some really pretty music, and the band is killing ! on top of some great solos from everyone, the vocal work of Mihi and SN himself is powerful and moving ... the shared empathy and joy of all on stage is lovely - check it out !

The fest runs from 8-31 July 2021, and tickets are really affordable - R50 per show, or R800 for the entire festival (which works out to even less than R50 per show!) .. you will have to register on the site, which takes a minute or 2, but once you have an account, buying tickets for different shows is quick & easy !

Pianist, vocalist and composer Siphephelo Ndlovu formed the SN Project in 2016 to showcase his collection of original compositions that incorporates his South African culture with his knowledge of jazz. Ndlovu was born and bred in Johannesburg but attended the renowned Drakensberg Boys’ Choir Scho...

24/07/2021

RIP Andre Petersen (1978 - 2021) Thank you for your immense contribution as both a musician and human being - the world is a poorer place for your departure.

20/07/2021

NAF ONLINE - STANDARD BANK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021
FEATURED PERFORMANCE - STANDARD BANK NATIONAL SCHOOLS JAZZ BAND (DIRECTED BY SHAUN JOHANNES)

The next featured performance is a youth band, the National Schools Jazz Band which is directed by Capetonian bass legend Shaun Johannes. it's the first time that this is a small ensemble (ordinarily it's a big band), and features some really great young talent from around SA. Shaun's choice of (mostly South African) material and arrangements are killing, this is well entertaining ! so check it out - the future sounds bright !

The fest runs from 8-31 July 2021, and tickets are really affordable - R50 per show, or R800 for the entire festival (which works out to even less than R50 per show!) .. you will have to register on the site, which takes a minute or 2, but once you have an account, buying tickets for different shows is quick & easy !

The Standard Bank National Schools’ Jazz Band consists of the top high school jazz musicians in the country and this year marks an exciting departure – since 1995 we have annually selected 18 students to play in a Big Band format; this year, pandemic and safety considerations mean that a Big Ban...

19/07/2021

NAF ONLINE - STANDARD BANK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021
FEATURED PERFORMANCE - KEENAN AHRENDS TRIO (FEAT DOMENIC LANDOLF & LUKAS THOENI

Our 6th featured gig is that of guitarist/composer Keenan Ahrends with his regular trio of Romy Brauteseth (upright bass) & Sphelelo Mazibuko (drums), plus two Swiss hornmen in Domenic Landolf (tenor) & Lukas Thoeni (trumpet). This performance was recorded in Switzerland, during Keenan's recent residency, and it sounds like he's been writing some great new material ! This is such a great trio, and there is so much shared understanding & empathy between them - the horns on top is a new sound for the group, but they all make it sound natural and easy. Super cool new tunes and some really searching solos - don't miss this one !

The fest runs from 8-31 July 2021, and tickets are really affordable - R50 per show, or R800 for the entire festival (which works out to even less than R50 per show!) .. you will have to register on the site, which takes a minute or 2, but once you have an account, buying tickets for different shows is quick & easy !

Keenan Ahrends studied jazz guitar at UCT and the Norwegian Academy of Music, also completing an honours degree in performance at Wits, researching the life and music of Errol Dyers. He was selected for the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band in 2006 and has toured extensively within South Africa...

17/07/2021

NAF ONLINE - STANDARD BANK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021
FEATURED PERFORMANCE - BOKANI DYER : KELENOSI

Our 5th featured gig is that of one of our favourite piano players/composers Bokani Dyer, with his Kelenosi project. featuring Leagan Breda on kit, Clement Carr on keys and samples & Tendai ‘Shoxx’ Shoko on bass. Bokani's writing here is a bit of a departure from his trio stylings, and fuses a more electronic sound with jazz and groove elements - this is definitely the right band - they are killing it ! check it .... (also great to hear Bok's singing voice !)

The fest runs from 8-31 July 2021, and tickets are really affordable - R50 per show, or R800 for the entire festival (which works out to even less than R50 per show!) .. you will have to register on the site, which takes a minute or 2, but once you have an account, buying tickets for different shows is quick & easy !

Pianist, composer and music producer Bokani Dyer was born in Botswana to a South African musician father and a Tswana computer specialist mother, and music tumbles constantly out of him in a wild mix of genres. Technology to this young musician is not a hindrance to overcome but a means to speed up....

15/07/2021

NAF ONLINE - STANDARD BANK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021
FEATURED PERFORMANCE - MANDISI DYANTYIS

Our 4th featured show is that of vocalist/trumpet player Mandisi Dyantyis and his group, which features Buddy Wells on tenor, Kevin Gibson on drums, Blake Hellaby on keys & Stephen de Souza on upright bass. Mandisi is an incredible vocalist & a great trumpet player, and his music is so rooted and infectious - he is a storyteller and social commentator, and this is one of the more memorable sermons you'll ever receive ... the band is superb, with 2 legends of the game, Kevin Gibson and Buddy Wells adding so much as always ! if you haven't been to church in a while, do it from your couch. Amen !

The fest runs from 8-31 July 2021, and tickets are really affordable - R50 per show, or R800 for the entire festival (which works out to even less than R50 per show!) .. you will have to register on the site, which takes a minute or 2, but once you have an account, buying tickets for different shows is quick & easy !

The charismatic Mandisi Dyantyis showcases why he has fast become a favourite across diverse audiences throughout the country. The vocalist, trumpeter and musical director, known for his versatility in Jazz, Western Classical and African indigenous music, is based in Cape Town, but originates from G...

14/07/2021

NAF ONLINE - STANDARD BANK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021
FEATURED PERFORMANCE - NEIL GONSALVES TRIO

Our 3rd featured performance is that of Durban based pianist/composer/educator Neil Gonsalves, with Riley Giandhari on drums & Talent Mzukulu Mbatha on uke bass (check it out - tiny bass, big sound !) Besides his own great playing, Neil's compositions are beautifully grounded and really uplifting, and the band's approach is both sensitive & hard-grooving when the music calls for it. they sound like a trio who play together regularly, and it also looks like they dig each other !
40 minutes very well spent !

The fest runs from 8-31 July 2021, and tickets are really affordable - R50 per show, or R800 for the entire festival (which works out to even less than R50 per show!) .. you will have to register on the site, which takes a minute or 2, but once you have an account, buying tickets for different shows is quick & easy !

The Neil Gonsalves Trio recorded for us in Durban as part of this year’s festival, but a technical glitch has unfortunately made that recording unusable. We apologise for being unable to present the trio as we all wished. Below is a free gig of the recording the trio made earlier this year. ‘Ble...

13/07/2021

NAF ONLINE - STANDARD BANK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021
FEATURED PERFORMANCE - SIYA CHARLES SEXTET

our 2nd featured gig is that of trombonist/composer Siya Charles and her sextet, featuring Zeke le Grange (tenor), Shaw Komori (trumpet), Blake Hellaby (keys), Sibusiso Matsimela (upright bass) & Damian Kamineth on drums. This performance is really swinging, Siya's compositions and arrangements are the real deal, and the solos from the band are great. so good to hear legit sextet writing - the horns blend beautifully and the rhythm section lays it down. check this out peeps ...

The fest runs from 8-31 July 2021, and tickets are really affordable - R50 per show, or R800 for the entire festival (which works out to even less than R50 per show!) .. you will have to register on the site, which takes a minute or 2, but once you have an account, buying tickets for different shows is quick & easy !

Siya Charles grew up in Gqeberha and was a member of both the Standard Bank National Schools and Youth Jazz Bands and, with a Master’s in Music in Jazz Performance from the University of Cape Town, she has gone on to perform internationally in Italy, Sweden, Norway, Nigeria, Botswana, and in most ...

12/07/2021

apologies for the radio silence music lovers - we've all been dealing with Covid related issues, and have put our own recordings on temporary hold.

However, we are super excited about the NAF ONLINE - STANDARD BANK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021, and we've decided to feature/promote some of these great performances on the HOTH platform.

Our first featured performance is that of 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz, Sisonke Xonti, and his new look quartet of Ayanda Sikade, Nduduzo Makhathini and Dalisu Ndlazi. The group is full of energy and spirit, and their treatment of this primarily modal material is authentic and powerful.

The fest runs from 8-31 July 2021, and tickets are really affordable - R50 per show, or R800 for the entire festival (which works out to even less than R50 per show!) .. you will have to register on the site, which takes a minute or 2, but once you have an account, buying tickets for different shows is quick & easy !

The 2020 Young Artist Award Winner for Jazz, Sisonke Xonti, continues to offer listeners an exciting array of new musical material. In November 2020 his highly-anticipated second album, ‘Migration Suite’, was released, exploring rural and urban identity and the perilous spiritual journey from ho...

10/06/2021

Bheki Khoza - tonight's link ..

Episode 12 of our South African Jazz Community Showcase series features legendary guitarist, composer and educator Bheki Khoza. He is joined by his original ...