South African Jazz Singer Sathima Bea Benjamin Performs at Sweet Rhythm, December 23

South African Jazz Singer Sathima Bea Benjamin Performs at Sweet Rhythm on Friday, December 23, 2005

Vocalist Joined by Pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs, Bassist Buster Williams, and Drummer George Gray

EKAPA RECORDS is proud to announce a performance by the legendary vocalist Sathima Bea Benjamin on Friday, December 23, 2005 at New York's Sweet Rhythm Jazz Club. The sets begin at 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m., and midnight.

Born in Cape Town, Sathima Bea Benjamin is one of South Africa's great musical treasures, and has over the years established herself as one of the greatest living jazz singers in the world, having worked with such musical legends as Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and her husband, Abdullah Ibrahim. Throughout her career, Sathima has recorded 11 albums, earned a Grammy nomination, and received in 2004 the Order of Ikhamanga, South Africa's highest honor. Most recently, Sathima celebrated the re-issue of her Grammy-nominated album Dedications, available through Celeste Records.

As a singer, Sathima's interpretations of standards have earned her a devoted audience and the highest praise of critics. Jules Epstein, writing for the Philadelphia Tribune, notes “there may be ten great jazz singers alive today, and Sathima Bea Benjamin is unquestionably one." New York Times critic Jon Pareles declared that “in song after song, Miss Benjamin could make a word cry out with just a flicker of vibrato."

Sathima is joined for this date by some of jazz's most respected musicians: pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs, bassist Buster Williams, and drummer George Gray.

Concert Information
Sathima Bea Benjamin
with Onaje Allan Gumbs, Buster Williams, and George Gray
Sweet Rhythm Jazz Club (88 Seventh Avenue South, 212-255-3626)
Friday, December 23, 2005, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m., and midnight
$20 admission, $10 drink minimum

For More Information and Press Inquiries Contact:
Seton Hawkins
ekapa records
[email protected]
917.907.1200