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The Liitle Giants is a band like no other,
forever evolving and giving birth to real giants. Loosely
based on the concept of the Jazz Messsengers with a slight
twist, the members are all school going youngsters from
different walks of South African society, and Art Blakey,
former frontman of the Jazz Messengers, has now been replaced
by George Werner (aka Junior). Each Little Giant is in a
various stage of music developement, from beginners to those
who are able to perform live gigs. The group is self-funded,
with a helping hand from parents and proceeds from gigs,
and with Junior giving freely of his time to coach and rehearse
the band.
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Little Giants debut CD
UNGALIBALI |
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Their home-base is at York Road Primary in Lansdowne,
where every Saturday afternoon you'll find the Little Giants woodshedding
and tightening their performance. Owing to their limitless involvemnt,
eight of the 10 tracks on their debut CD "UNGALIBALI",
was penned by members of the group. This a testament to the teaching
of Junior and the passion and eagerness of these youngsters. For
Junior and some of the city's local musicians, like Ezra Ngcukana
and Wayne Bosch, all of whom have helped to establish and bring
the group to this point, it's been six long years.
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George Werner
CD launch Mannenbergs |
But it seems, every moment dedicated to
these guys has paid off. This as The Little Giants are now
a regular feature on some of the country's top music and arts
festivals, from the annual Standard Bank Grahamstown Festival
to the Jazzathon at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and
the Oyster Festival in Knysna. It was at the 1999 Jazzathon
that the group was born, as an initial request by the organisers
of the Jazzathonin a bid to showcase the musical talents of
the city'sr youth. Juniorr and long time friend and sax player,
Ezra Ngcukana took time out to find and rehearse this dynamic
group of youngsters. The response from the public left the
two founders little choice, but to ponder and put together
a project that would later transform into the Little Giants.
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The exciting aspect of the group, is that two-three
years from now, the makeup of the group will be different as these
youngsters go on to pursue their careers and love for music. There
have been many hightlights for the group such as the recording of
their CD, aptly titled UNGALIBALI, this is a tribute to past giants.
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One of the tracks which can be heard on
their album, has been dedicated to political activist and
freedom fighter Robert Sobukwe as well as the legendary Lulu
Gontsana. Engineer and co-producer Ghalik Jacobs says "it
was a pure experience...the youngsters, for most of them,
it was their first time and the mix of nerves and excitement,
and hanging on to every bit of advice, was a pure joy. I was
fortunate to be apart of that moment.
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Little Giants
CD launch Mannenbergs
23 May 2006
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They had the time of their lives and so did George
and I...". Listening to to the CD, its hard to believe that
Junior asked the group for compositions just weeks before the recording
date was set at Beach Road Studios, Sea Point. As one of the most
unique albums in South Africa, the music is 80 percent original
and a fusion of styles, much like our diverse cultures. Theres hip-hop,
swing, latin and african with a little blues for the melancholy
city dweller as well as trombones, guitars, trumpets and rap. Arts
and entertainment writer, Gary van Dyk says UNGALIBALI proves that
these young guns of jazz are ready to blast their way into our musical
minds. Van Dyk adds that he's listened to the CD and there is no
doubt that this young group are a bunch of talented musicians who
are deserving of our support.The aim of the CD is to fund the Little
Giants project with most of the proceeds going toward keeping this
project alive. If you do not have a copy, you can viisit www.jazz.co.za
or email info@littleriver.co.za
and a copy will be made available. |
Keenan Ahrends |
Craig Mehl |
Dylon Majoos |
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You can freely download the track Revolution
Around Notes. |
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LITTLE GIANTS