Jazz Articles about Basil Coetzee

About Basil Coetzee

Multiple Reviews

Township Jazz: Unlocking The Vaults

by Chris May
April 8, 2022

Britain is often said to be the first country to have forged a style of jazz distinct from its American parent, during the late 1950s, in part through the influence of London-based players from South Asia. Closer examination of calendars and the historical record, however, shows that South Africa found its own jazz voice at the same time, if not sooner. In any event, in 1959 the Jazz Epistles, South Africa's premier first-wave modern jazz band, recorded an album, Jazz ...

Radio & Podcasts

Those Who Remained Behind, Part 2

by Seton Hawkins
November 5, 2018

Many Jazz artists leave South Africa for exile in the 1960s and 1970s, but many remain behind, facing horrifying working conditions and oppression. In these two episodes, we'll explore their music and their efforts to resist apartheid within South Africa. Playlist Tete Mbambisa “Stay Cool" from Black Heroes (As-Shams Records) 1:58 Pat Matshikiza “Tshona" from Tshona! (EMI Records) 11:36 The Beaters “Harari" from Harari (As-Shams Records) 24:34 Movement in the City “Lament" from Afrika Underground (Counterpoint Records) ...