George Anderson has played a significant role in British jazz funk band Shakatak’s compositions for decades and I’ve come to know that his bass playing still plays a pivotal role in present-day Shakatak.
“From Cape Town to London – Live” by the George Anderson Band is an epic musical journey which transcends the geographical divide between two cities.
This story of one man’s trans-Atlantic conquest began in London when the Cape Town artists were auditioned using video technology; the one-night-only show was recorded live in Cape Town and about a month later, three other UK artists were recorded back in London.
The concert opens with “iKapa” or “Cape” when translated from the isiXhosa language.
“iKapa” is a short instrumental track which awakens the audience’s aural senses with enchanting sounds created by keys and chimes.
The GA Band wastes no time in getting into the classic jazz funk groove with “Herbie” which is a groovy bass line punctuated by punchy brass. The Cape Town musicians introduce themselves by way of impressive solos by keyboardist Mark Goliath, trumpeter Ian Smith and saxophonist Donvino Prins with guitarist Nathan Carolus and drummer Bjorn Petersen keeping everything tight along with George holding down the bass line.
“Cool Operator” is a song which speaks out against vanity, greed, corruption, crime, oppression and political interference. George could not have chosen a better person to voice these objections in song.
The lead vocal is by Blaq Pearl who is a composer of songs and poetry and a champion of human rights, specifically working to empower women and girls in her hometown of Mitchells Plain, Cape Town. She delivers this sobering message with a powerful performance which showcases her vocal range superbly.
Isaac Monty adds his voice to this song with an in-your-face rap followed by an intense keys solo by Mark Goliath.
Ian Smith is revered among Cape Town audiences especially for his work as trumpeter for the iconic group, Virtual Jazz Reality as well as his work with The Delft Big Band on and off stage to divert youth away from the wiles of crime and substance abuse in their troubled community in Delft, Cape Town. Ian is also having none of these injustices to humanity so in this song he protests with a horn solo reminiscent of Lew Soloff’s work, admonishing the perpetrators with a compelling performance.
Some bass parts remind me of George’s work with Shakatak (think “Don’t blame it on love” slowed down a bit) with low to high register groovy bass lines and percussion driving this message home steadily.
“High and mighty love” is one of a few song writing collaborations between George and Debby Bracknell.
A sultry sax introduces the sassy vocals of Mikhaela Kruger who headlines the Michaela Kruger Quartet/Quintet in Cape Town. She brings a soulful feel to this song with an enrapturing vocal performance.
Short, explosive bursts of guitar solos by Nathan Carolus add extra sparkle to this mellow lyrical pledge of devotion to a soul-mate.
“Into U” had me from the very start of the funky bass and sax intro to this catchy tune!!! The drums and percussive beats took over all movement as my feet and head kept nodding in timed approval of this groovy track.
Isaac Monty’s lead vocal is well supported by the harmonious backing vocals. Donvino Prins’ stunning sax solo shows why he gets the first call for most gigs around Cape Town especially when visiting artists stop over.
I can also just picture George having so much fun jamming with the musicians on this groove. This is easily my favourite track on this album!
“Lay your hands on me” is a great follow on from “Into U” on this live recording. A smooth sax intro, subtle keys and guitar with Georges’ funky slapping and popping bass lines, making superb use of octaves, among other rudiments of bass playing, underpinned by a solid foundation of drums and percussion make this yet another one of my favourite tracks on this album.
Isaac’s vocals are once more ably supported by clear and present female backing vocals.
The lyrics make an encouraging appeal to our human spirits to work together in harmony:
“Lay your hands on me with positivity; Lay your hands on me; Let it flow through me; Let it show the key.”
“Weakness” is an exquisitely crafted collaboration between George and Debbie Bracknell!!!
This track elevates my senses to a higher level with a dreamy trumpet intro, smooth sounding keys and subtle guitar. Debbie’s husky vocals add depth of field to stereo percussion and keys sounds which widen the soundscape of aural pleasure, textured with a classic-sounding electric piano solo.
To quote the chorus line: “I’ve been watching you every day – you are my weakness.”
George’s strength is letting the other musicians shine through his punchy bass lines on this track which I will listen to countless of times.
Ian Smith’s dreamy trumpet outro’s a song, like I never want it to end.
“Babel” is George’s bass solo supported by Bjorn Petersen on drums.
This is the full treatment of the epic JD (Jaydee) Custom GA bass sounds of George’s slaps and pops, triplets, octaves, ghost notes, chords, hammer-on’s, harmonics, slides, finger picking.
Confused?
Don’t be.
George’s bass solo interprets all these elements of bass playing in a way which clearly speaks the common language of great music.
To quote one of many appreciative members of the audience: “Stunning George!”
“Latin Love” (Amour Latino) is where Mikhaela Kruger leads this fun song and is supported by great harmonies from the backing vocalists.
The band shines with this Latin groove. The drums and percussion hold the structure of this song well together with George’s bass lines reminiscent of Jaco Pastorius.
A high pitched trumpet solo properly introduces Nathan Carolus when he explodes into a fantastic jazz fusion guitar solo followed by a sax solo which leads to a bass solo with a chorus effect then even more showcasing of Nathan’s superb talents.
This energetic track ends off with a great drum solo by Bjorn Petersen.
This track stood out for me when I reminded myself that the Cape Town members of the GA Band only had one day to rehearse with George – practically the day before this recording!!! Each time I listen to it, I’m amazed all over!
“Back in the day” chronicles George’s trademark groove from his days with Shakatak which I hasten to add still forms part of his present-day itinerary. Strong vocals carry a song loaded with solos but George uses this track to pay tribute to two of his most influential songwriters of all time.
The keys get the George Duke treatment then there’s a classic bass line from a Stevie Wonder song, “I wish”.
To quote a line from the chorus: “Music takes you higher.” This is definitely a song in the key of George Anderson’s life.
The keys and unique sax intro of “Day by day” send the audience into ecstasy because this song is one of Cape Town’s jazz funk anthems!
Cape Town has high expectations when it comes to artists performing our favourite songs in concert and this particular composition, co-written by George Anderson and Jill Saward, features Al Jarreau and Jill Saward on the original recording by Shakatak.
Isaac (Ike) Monty and Debby Bracknell do not disappoint whatsoever! The audience’s appreciation of their vocal performances is evident, especially when Isaac scats.
I will not be surprised at all if this audience cleared spaces to create impromptu dance floors to do the hip swaying and body twirling “jazz dance” throughout this tune.
The lead vocals complement each other very well and the musicians know enough about the stature of this iconic song in the Cape Town jazz hierarchy “to give it all you’ve got” throughout this track.
Cape Town showed their appreciation until the last note.
Encores:
“Brazilian Love Affair” composed by George Duke is another jazz funk anthem loved by everyone in Cape Town who appreciates great jazz. Isaac Monty takes charge of the vocals and is backed by solid harmonies.
George’s bass lines drive this song superbly and he takes the original Marcus Miller bass solo to another level with his special treatment, layered with a spaced-out sounding synth.
Ian Smith uses a trumpet delay effect with a “Papa was a rolling stone” – like sound followed by Donvino’s breathy sax solo.
Mark Goliath is a first-call keys player for most of Cape Town’s stages and in this track he crafts a beautiful electric piano solo which George Duke himself would have been proud of.
I am yet again amazed that these artists only had one day to rehearse with George. This track is cooked to perfection by the GA Band.
“Never too much” is yet another classic song loved by Cape Town audiences.
The punchy female backing vocals hook onto a solid lead vocal by Isaac Monty who showcases his vocal range and strength on this track.
The GA Band creates an interesting twist at the ending of this Luther Vandross classic which bears the trademark groovy jazz funk bass lines of George Anderson.
George Anderson’s “From Cape Town to London – Live” is a timeless legacy of one man’s quest which brought together two cities in a celebration of “lekker” (great) groovy jazz funk!!!
The album release date is 11th May 2015 and will be available on iTunes. Here is a link to some of George Anderson’s music:
https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/george-anderson/id131747214
George ends off his liner notes: “Hoop jy geniet” (Hope you enjoy).
You will. Get it. Repeat. Put it on repeat.
The George Anderson (GA) Band – info: -:
“From Cape Town to London – Live”
George Anderson – Bass
Bjorn Petersen – Drums
Mark Goliath – Keys
Donvino Prins – Sax
Ian Smith –Trumpet
Nathan Carolus – Guitar
Isaac Monty – Vocals
Janine ‘Blaq Pearl’ – Vocals
Mikhaela Faye Kruger – Vocals
**Debby Bracknell – Vocals
**Raphael Bushman – Keys
**Estaban Virtualo – Percussion
“From Cape Town to London – Live” was recorded live by Nasser Achmad at the Grand West Arena in Cape Town on 11th December 2014.
**Additional recordings and mixing by George Anderson at Babel Studios, UK in January 2015.
Album produced, arranged, mixed and mastered by George Anderson with additional mastering by Pete Reynolds.
The track list is chosen from George Anderson’s debut album “Positivity” (2009) and his second solo release “Expressions” (2012).
A Shakatak song is thrown in for good measure and the encore tracks are two great surprise inclusions.
Track list:
iKapa
Herbie (Positivity)
Cool Operator (Positivity)
High and mighty love (Expressions) – George and Debby Bracknell
Into U (Expressions)
Lay your hands on me (Positivity)
Weakness (Expressions) – George and Debby Bracknell
Babel – Bass solo
Latin Love [Amour Latino] (Expressions)
Back in the day (Expressions)
Day by day (Shakatak – City Rhythm) – George Anderson and Jill Saward
Encores:
Brazilian Love Affair (Brazilian Love Affair) – George Duke
Never too much (Never too much) – Luther Vandross
All songs composed by George Anderson except where stated otherwise on track listing.
Cape Town in Colour 