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THE HEAR AND NOW!
It's been awesome to see how much energy and effort musicians put into working on their bands and honing their musical skills. That frightening first blow of a horn soon turns into a sound your gran might even dig. Its just about taking it one note at a time. This month we kick off our artist of the month spot with Kyle Sheperd, Pianist and composer extrodianaire. We also feature Bateleur, an awesome band that sets new standards for commitment and work ethic. The results are obvious! We've also got some great WAM Merchandise, so if you are a drummer get yourself a pair of WAM drumsticks or one of our funky trucker caps!
Of course we still have the best rehearsal space in town at the most affordable rates and now have over 60 students getting closer to to the goal of making music of their own!
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It's time to listen to,
Bateleur
Bateleur is a 6-piece instrumental band based in Cape Town, South Africa. Formed in 2009, they have worked tirelessly at crafting their distinct sound and musical character. By employing a democratic work ethic, Paul Mesarcik (Bass), Louis Pienaar (Piano, Synth), Adam Bertscher (Guitar), Dylan Jeffries (Drums), Odon Human (Trumpet and Effects) and Nicolaas van Reenen (Guitar, Vocal effects) have all got an equal say in shaping the songs they compose. This results in music with an eclectic mix of experimentation with harmony, melody and challenging song structures while never neglecting the direct emotional impact of a well-placed hook. Bateleur has released two EPʼs, the first being the free digital release Mountain EP in 2010 and its follow up Cargo Cults in 2012. They are currently recording material for their debut album.
Bateleur has played a number of music festivals within as well as outside of South Africa. Festivals performed at include Rocking The Daisies, Splashy Fen, Flamjangled Tea Party, Sowing the Seeds as well as the Malawian international festival Lake of stars in which they shared the stage with the likes of Foals, The Very Best, and Biao (of Vampire Weekend). This outing also garnered them a mention in NME.
Click the image Below to listen to Bateleur!
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Artist of the Month:
KYLE SHEPERD
Kyle Sheperd is fast becoming recognized as one of South Africa's leading progressive Jazz pianists and one of the finest composers of his generation.
The multi South African Music Award nominated virtuoso pianist and winner of The 2014 Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year Award for Jazz, already has a well-established record of celebrated solo, trio and quartet performances in South Africa, Switzerland, Japan, Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark, The Netherlands and China.
The twenty-six-year-old Shepherd, is set to launch his debut solo piano album, recorded in Japan, in the East- Asian country early 2014 and is steadily gaining a reputation as one of South Africa’s most influential and inventive Jazz pianists and composers. As a pianist, Xaru player (traditional mouth-bow) and composer, he has forged a unique compositional and performance concept that pays homage to all his musical influences and the many great musicians he has worked with, all while continuing to look forward musically in a way, which, in the words of the great South African Jazz writer and historian, Gwen Ansell, “live in the jazz world but are never imprisoned by it”.
Click the image to watch an interview with Kyle Sheperd at WAM.
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Check out WAM Merch!
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