ROBBIE JANSEN – VASTRAP ISLAND (1991, South Africa)
In the comments of a previous South African Jazz post (Cape Jazz – 24 Sept. 2011), a visitor (thejazzmd) wrote “Love SA Jazz, and there is so little Robbie Jansen out there- so thank you!”
Well, mate, this one is for you! Hope you’ll enjoy it.
It is Robbie Jansen’s first album as a leader and I reckon it is a bit of a mixed bag of afro-rock / smooth jazz / Cape Music, not entirely convincing (especially after hearing his contribution to the Sabenza album by Basil "Mannenberg" Coetzee) but even in such a context Robbie’s flute and alto are always a pleasure to the ears. It is also a great party record that goes well with a few beers and a braai!
WARNING TO THE JAZZ AYATOLLAHS: Beware, I wouldn’t call this a “jazz” album, rather a Cape Music album with a jazzy tinge.
Credits :
Robbie Jansen : alto sax, flute, fife, leqd vocals, acoustic guitar, percussions
Drums: Jack Momple, Monty Weber
Electric guitar: Erol Dyers, Paul Peterson
Acoustic guitar: Erol Dyers
Electric keyboards: Hilton Schilder, Murray Anderson
Acoustic piano: Hilton Schilder
Bass: Stephen Erasmus
Ripped from a currently OOP CD.
p.s.: I'm not sure whether Sabenza has been posted on a blog already. It's a beautiful album that any fan of Cape Jazz should possess. If there is a demand, I'll rip my LP when I'll get a chance.
03 Feb. 2012: somebody was faster than me ... listen to Sabenza HERE
