Relay played to satisfaction

complexion of the race.
Though the highlight of the event is the finish, the beginning is equally important.
Every runner’s ability is complimented by the other team members. What about at a concert, what formula do you use to get the best results?
Well this was the case at the Jazz Under the Stars concert as Tendai Manatsa and his better half, Selmar Mtukudzi, set the show in motion.
Coming from a musical background it was evident that the two have indeed taken notes from their parents and together have formed a dynamic combination that is destined to scale heights.
They gave a well-polished performance that combined good stage presence, presentation and a musical diversity and expression that made many feel proud to be Zimbabwean.
The passing on of Sam Mtukudzi left many of us startled as to the continuity of the Tuku brand.
This most probably was because we have a cultural bias, which says the son must be the one to carry forward from where the father would have left.
Well, Selmar goes to just prove the opposite of that as she in her own right has proved that she can handle these affairs and is the one to carry the baton.
Nothing has more effect upon performance than the people with whom one performs; quite involuntarily, one almost always plays either up or down to them, and the effect is therefore both cumulative and vital.
When you combine seasoned and dynamic musicians you get Jazz Invitation.
If you want to try as many options of playing a song, then get Bernie Bismarck on the keyboard.
She has a wide range of progressions, inversions and expressions that bring out sophistication to music.
Kelly Rusike is probably one of Zimbabwe’s most consistent and seasoned bassists.
His groovy bass is a unique part of Jazz Invitation and a strong backbone.
Born to get wicked on the drums, Sam Mataure was part of this combination, giving that steady solid rhythm that gave all the band members confidence to accomplish the task.
A quality most desirable in a drummer is unselfishness, playing only to assist the frontline or soloist, and equally the ability to overcome the tendency towards exhibitionism, which is present in some degree in almost all of us.
Sam Mataure is fortunate enough to have the sheer artistic ability always to do the right thing at the right place at the right time, a rare gift indeed. It is absolutely invaluable, and has to be encouraged.
One of the greatest pleasures and most satisfying experiences in life is to be able to express oneself in some way or other.
Vee will agree with me here that playing the saxophone is his passion and pleasure.
The best natural asset in jazz expression is imagination since it produces originality of style.
The young man can blow your emotions wild.
To cream up this top class jazz outfit the lead vocalist, Patience Musa, has cut her place in the jazz family as a voice to reckon with. She knows how to handle the stage and get the audience to partake.
You are as young as you feel, that’s all I can say of the Cool Crooners.
What a performance. If there was a performance school in our country they would be a perfect practical example to use to train most of our artistes.
Artists need to be taught the way to get on to the stage, dress, the way to handle the mics and the general stage impression that keeps your fans wanting more.
I have said before to be a great performer or musician you need to be some kinda crazy, these Madharas in their own way are crazy and ooze with a youthful energy on stage.
Did I say crazy at some point? Well this seems another opportunity.
There she comes dressed to steal your hearts walking like a tall peacock churning out some bird-like sounds, melodies facial expressions – Dudu Manhenga.
She’s already in a certain place her spirits are charged it is clear by the confident moves she makes on the stage.
At times these jazz musicians sing stuff you don’t understand but because of their captivating melodies and powers of improvisation nothing can stop the good feeling you still enjoy.
She went on to demonstrate her versatility as she imitated reggae singers.
At this point the house went crazy and appreciated that she was cut for showbiz.
I always wonder how it is possible to work in a band with your spouse and there Blessing, Dudu’s hubby dubby sits on the drum giving pace to the band and most probably watching over his amazing woman as she mesmerises the fans.
I don’t know, honestly, but the show was turned right side up as the guest artist of the night got her moment. It seemed that everyone was saving their energy for this one.
Two weeks ago I talked about stage chemistry.
Believe it or not this would have been a grand opportunity for many bands to see what I was trying to say.
The drummer, the keyboardist, the bassist the lead guitarist all oozed with a certain vibe and energy that definitely gave the performance a unique complexion.
They were a part of the effort. They had come to do it and had no reason to think about home or anything but to engage their audiences.
While we are all gifted in unique ways there is a fine line that defines quality and a selection of the best from the rest.
Lira’s performance demonstrated mastery of the art of music and the art of showbiz.
She is solid and in total control of her game. The band also knows when she wants to stop, when to tone down as she engages her audiences.
Unfortunately as always, our local artists never real get time just to hear from stars like her on the secret to her success and the demands of the music business on the other side.
As promoters bring in more foreign artistes, they need to create an opportunity for this interaction.
Victor Kunonga who gave his best performance closed the curtain.
l Richard Kohola is a music critic and development expert and can be contacted on the following number 0772 382 871 or e-mail: [email protected]