Jazz Concert: Nishlyn Ramanna (piano) and Mageshen Naidoo (guitar)

Abstract

Framing document: Concert: Prof Mageshen Naidoo (UP), guitar and Dr Nishlyn Ramanna (Rhodes), piano Venue: University of South Africa (Unisa), Miriam Makeba Concert Hall Date and Time: Friday, 20 May 2016 @ 19h30 Concert recorded by SAFM for broadcast. This duo performed two suites of darkly reflective compositions by Nishlyn Ramanna. The works were composed in response to recent bereavements and the spirits that endure with Ramanna’s compositions, evoking the grooves of African Jazz the lyricism of European Jazz and snapshots of Indian classical music. Conceptually and musically, the pieces draw from a vast palette of musical influences and technical proficiency from the musicians. The ability to negotiate through the compositions requires a thorough grasp of improvisation covering a gamut of stylistics approaches in jazz (modern, funk and traditional), as well as other genres such as Indian classical music and South African jazz. The performance exhibits sensitive and sympathetic duo-ensemble performance while celebrating individual input and character. The performers seek to convey the intent of each composition, in part and in the context of the suites. See attached scores.