Gratitude

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Cat No: ENJ9829

Release Date: 17 November 2023

Label: Enja

Packaging Type: Digipak

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 767522982923

Genres: Jazz

Description
The bandleader and bassist of The Rainmakers, Banz Oester and Javier Vercher on tenor sax, come from Europe; the pianist Afrika Mkhize and drummer Ayanda Sikade count among the continent-hopping talents from South Africa. The four of them form a close-knit, inseparable unit. In other words, we are dealing with a formation in which individual strengths are not showcased in egocentric fashion, but are transformed into a collective energy.
Oester, who cherishes a long-standing fascination with the rich musical culture of Africa, puts it this way: "I want to communicate on equal footing with the other musicians. For that a certain attitude, which does not tolerate hierarchical thinking, is necessary. My objective is to break boundaries. I don't dictate anything to anyone - the music is conjointly developed." Namely along a high-voltage connection between North and South.

Banz Oester has been active in the Swiss and international scene of jazz and improvised music since the early eighties as a member of numerous projects on his own or as part of collective groups. Javier Vercher studied at the Berklee College in Boston and won the Tete Montoliu Best Breakthrough Award in 2007. He has published a series of CDs under his name. Collaborations include Larry Grenadier, Lionel Loueke, Billy Hart, Jorge Rossy, Bob Moses, Robert Glasper and many others.
South African pianist Afrika Mkhize is living in Johannesburg. He has made himself a big reputation with his distinctive piano playing, as a versatile producer and as musical director in Miriam Makeba's Band.
Drummer Ayanda Sikade is also living in Johannesburg, he has been playing with many famous South-African musicians such as Feya Faku, Bheki Mseleku, Nduduzo Makhathini, Robbie Jansen, Barney Rachabane, Darius Brubeck and many others. He was also member of legendary saxophonist Zim Ngqawana's band.
Tracklisting