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MUTARE Afro-jazz lovers were treated to an elating cameo performance by solo guitarist Steve Chikotie and saxophonist, Tinashe Mukarati at the Motoring Club last Saturday.
The Mutare-born and bred artiste who is promoting his forthcoming album, ‘Choices’ performed an instrumental rendition of his title track in a double act with Mukarati, which got the crowd euphoric.
After ‘Choices’ he was begged to play another song and perfectly executed Bob James’ instrumental version of the chart-buster, Maputo with Mukarati putting the icing on the cake with a perfect solo finish with his saxophone that could have turned renowned international saxophonist, Kenny G, green with envy.
Kenny G whose real name is Kenneth Bruce Gorelick is the biggest-selling instrumental musician of the modern era and one of the best-selling artistes of all time <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_music_artists> with global sales totaling more than 75 million records.
Chikotie’s forthcoming album expected to be out before the end of the year will become his fifth project including his five-track gospel album, Halleluya that he released early in May.
He, however, said a solo-guitarist’s market was complex with corporate gigs being his biggest market, which explains why few musicians are solo guitarists.
In Zimbabwe renowned solo-guitarists are Steve ‘Dhongi’ Makoni and Kireni Zulu, while super-star, Oliver Mtukudzi at times also performs solo.
“I have to say corporate gigs are my biggest market in the industry unless I decide to play with a quartet band, which I sometimes do, that is the only time I can hold concerts in clubs.
“But generally my music has been receiving generous airplay on several radio stations and I am thankful with the support I get. I am often on the road performing at several corporate functions countrywide,” said Chikotie.
Mukarati who is also born and bred in Mutare is a freelance saxophonist and was in Turkey recently.
He horned his saxophone playing skills from playing in the Prince Edward Jazz Band during his school days.
Online Reporter