Two Sets ** South African Celebration** - Adam Glasser & Don Laka

Adam Glasser When I first met Adam some years ago now, he was a fluent and impressive jazz pianist leaning towards the “township” feel of his South African background. However, in more recent years, as well as continuing and developing his piano playing, he has reinvented himself as one of Europe’s leading jazz chromatic harmonica players. And just in case you think of the harmonica as the thing that wild-eyed musicians beat into submission on blues gigs, then you must check out this gig, a virtuoso on the instrument Adam’s playing on harmonica is fluent, subtle and constantly inventive. He has released two critically acclaimed albums, winning the “Best Modern Jazz Album” award at the 2010 South African Music Awards with his wonderful album “Free at First” and his great, follow-up, album “Mzansi” was also short listed by SAMA in 2012 for “Best Jazz Album”. Adam has performed or recorded with a wide range of artists including Sting, Joe Zawinul, the Eurythmics, Incognito and most recently the Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera. Strongly influenced by his SA roots, Adam is a founder member of the Township Comets and was for many years musical director of the legendary SA vocal group The Manhattan Brothers. In 2014 Adam had the honour of playing several piano dates with iconic SA musician Hugh Masekela, that included the opening of the Commonwealth Games. Tonight he presents a new cross-generational quintet that brings together bass legend Alec Dankworth and the blazing virtuosity of pianist Ross Stanley with up-and-coming talents Rob Luft on guitar and Corrie Dick on drums. Expect a set of really enjoyable, rarely played melodic South African jazz township standards and great grooves.

"[Adam Glasser]... has brought a truly unique voice and idiom to the constantly evolving language of jazz.... a challenge to equal for sheer scope of virtuosity, musicality and surprise" AllAboutJazz;
"all the virtuosity and panache associated with practitioners on more conventional instruments.. a wholly impressive evening's music from a man in complete control of his considerable resources" VortexJazz

"Don Laka...artistic brilliance and popularity....is widely acknowledged as the father of kwaai-jazz (the fusion of jazz and South African dance music)" Jazz Review;
"Don Laka’s visit to the Eastern Cape will remain a memorable experience that should be cherished for many years to come.... Laka proved why he is South Africa’s top jazz artist" ECT