SIPHO GUMEDE    with     JOE MCBRIDE
FEATURED IN THE CAMEL JAZZ SERIES

WEDNESDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER

Sipho Gumede - Biography

Sipho Gumede was born in Cato Manor, Durban. His earliest musical memory is of playing guitar and pennywhistle. The guitar was homemade: a 5 gallon tin, wood and fish gut. He and his friends would play the tunes of Spokes Mashiyane, Zakes Nkosi and Lemmy "Special" Mabaso.

At the age of 12, Sipho went to stay on a farm some 30kms from Umlazi. He was exposed to many different kinds of music - vocal and soulful traditions, the music of weddings and funerals. After school each day, he'd pass the time watching cattle practicing on a borrowed guitar.This period was crucial in the formation of Sipho's musical outlook.

Sipho returned to Umlazi at the age of 16 and met the late great jazz guitarist, Cyril Magubane who introduced him to the music of Wes Montgomery and the world of jazz. He also met Dick Khoza and landed his first professional job as a member of the Jazz Revellers, switching from guitar to bass.

In 1970 Sipho headed for Johannesburg, arriving in a strange city he headed for the only place he knew. Dorkey House in Eloff street. There he met the great musicians of the time. He joined Dennis Mpale and Cocky Tlhotlhlalemaje in "Isintu" and worked with Dennis' band at the Pina Culo Music Festival. Thereafter Sipho rejoined Dick Khoza who was based at the Pelican Nightclub. The Pelican was a great musical laboratory in the 1970's. On any given night, legendary artists would pop in for a jam or perform as part of the Sunday night cabaret.

Later Sipho joined Gibson Kente and toured the country. He then left Gibson to concentrate on practising and perfecting his technique, upon hearing the music of Stanley Clarke, Airto Moreira, Flora Purim and Chick Corea. He then teamed up with Jabu Nkosi, Barney Rachabane, Duke Makasi, Dennis Mpale and Enoch Mtlelane as the short lived "Roots". After the demise of the "Roots", Sipho met Bheki Mseleku forming a dynamic and creative partnership which eventually led to the formation of "Spirits Rejoice" - a group which provided the space to create, which both artists had been looking for. "Spirits Rejoice" were an innovative and creative band that explored the many facets of jazz fusion. In 1982, Sipho together with Khaya Mhlangu, decided to explore fusion coupled with the African sounds he had grown up with, and so "Sakhile" was born. It was here that Sipho was able to merge the divergent musical paths travelled over the years and produce magical songs like "Mantombi".

Since then Sipho has continuously been creating new and challenging music through a series of inspired collaborations. He toured the United States of America, Canada and the Bahamas with Harry Belafonte and Letta Mbulu. Along with Caiphus Semenya, Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa and Letta Mbuli, he produced the musical show "Buwa" which told the story of South African music in the context of South African history. The show played in Harare, Zimbabwe and several other African states before it closed in Sweden. 1987 saw the rebirth of "Sakhile". They toured Switzerland, Italy and the United Kingdom. They also represented South Africa at the 'Meeting of the World music festival which took place in Finland and the Soviet Union. Sakhile also toured several African states and together with Abigail Khubheka they played all the major cities in Germany. Later that same year, Sipho performed with Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu and Hugh Masekela at the Montreux Jazz Festival in an African Evening produced by Quincy Jones.

In 1992 his solo album 'Thank you for Listening' won an OKTV award for best African Fusion Album. In 1995 he was awarded with an achievement award from Johnny Walker Black Label for his outstanding contribution to the South African Music Industry

Sipho has recorded with legends including: Timmy Thomas, Kippie Moketse, Margaret Singana, Dollar Brand, Winston Mankunku, Harare and Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Juluka, Stimela, Brenda Fassie, P.J. Powers, Hugh Masekela, Letta Mbulu, Mango Groove, Leslie Ray Dowling, Vicky Sampson - just to name a few.

Albums produced and recorded by Sipho Gumede:
1. Sakhile : Phambili,Welcome Home, Sakhile
2. Sipho Gumede : Faces and Places (The first album to win the Autumn Harvest award),Village Dance,We Know Who We Are,Thank you for Listening
(Winner of the OKTV award),Banana City Jive, Peace, Down Freedom Avenue,Ubuntu - Humanity

Listen to a sound clip of the title track from his latest CD

Joe McBride - Biography

He was born and raised in St. Louis and began playing piano when he was five. He didn't become interested in jazz until he was a teenager. Until then, he was only interested in motown, funk, and r&b.

In college he majored in jazz performance. In 1985, Joe moved to Dallas and later hooked up with Kenny Blake and played on his debut album.

He opened shows for Whitney Houston, Larry Carlton and the Yellowjackets. He has a huge European audience and has toured the continent five times in the last two years.