Musik am Zentrum für Afrikastudien Basel
Online performance by Keenan Ahrends Trio (Johannesburg)
The trio of South African guitarist Keenan Ahrends recorded a video replacing performances in Switzerland cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The trio lead by the dynamic guitarist interweaves great South African jazz traditions with grunge-improvisations and contemporary jazz.
Keenan Ahrends stands for atmospheric compositions, brilliant improvisation and subtle musicality. Over the last ten years, Ahrends has gained increasing recognition with his characteristic, concise sound. Having delighted the Swiss audience as sideman of pianist Thandi Ntuli in 2019, he now presents his album Narratives, a brilliant proof of his strength in composition. Ahrends is accompanied by the convincing, melodic bass player Romy Brauteseth and the light-handed drummer Sphelelo Mazibuko.
Line-up:
Keenan Ahrends: guitar
Romy Brauteseth: bass
Sphelelo Mazibuko: drums
Video:Keenan Ahrends Trio live @ House on the Hill
The video was recorded at the Sound-Station in Sophiatown, Johannesburg and edited by Marcus Wyatt and Romy Brauteseth, Sphelelo Mazibuko took care of mixing the sound. Produced by Language 12.
The Corona pandemic and associated lock-down hit musicians hard. If you wish to support the musicians with a donation or by booking them for a future show, please contact the artist or Veit Arlt. The Trio's CD Narratives is widely available, for instance on CD Baby. A search for any of the names mentioned above will direct you to exciting releases.