admindance at the October International Jazz Festival 2011.
The group is expected to give a high-energy performance and enhance the entertainment value of the high-profile annual jazz showcase.
The outfit’s eclectic repertoire is a fusion of music styles, traditions and genres and it is deeply rooted in New Orleans jazz, soul, R’n’B and Classic Blues. Amanda e la Banda’s music has the typical 12-bar blues feel.
It is up-tempo and groovy and one can easily recognise the influences of such greats as Aretha Franklin, BB King, Ray Charles, James Cotton and Tina Turner.
The five-member outfit is fronted by Amanda Tosoni (lead vocals and acoustic guitar), Andrea Caggiari (bass), Max Covini (drums), Gabrielle Tonsi (guitar and blues harp) and Matteo Boldini on keyboards.
Formed in Milan, Italy, in 2002, Amanda e la Banda have toured the world and performed at some of the most prestigious venues, concerts and festivals on the international jazz, soul and blues circuit.
They have featured at the Magic Blues Festival, the New Orleans Meets Festival and the Jazz and Blues Festival. Amanda e la Banda comes to Harare courtesy of the Italian Embassy in Harare and as part of the embassy’s cultural programme which includes the October International Jazz Festival.
The festival’s objective is to provide world-class entertainment value to audiences while facilitating the exchange and sharing of ideas between Zimbabwean artistes and international ones.
The festival will run from October 7 to 16 and it is made possible through a partnership of the Italian Embassy in Harare, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and Pamberi Trust.
Festival sponsors include the European Union, Ethiopian Airways, FBC Bank, Peroni, Telecel, Fiat, Rainbow Tourism Group, Peroni, Progressive Insurance Brokers and Sontine Travel.
Bongani Ndlovu