Thursday’s show is dubbed “The Return” as it marks Josh’s first dedicated live performance in Zimbabwe since he relocated to South Africa where he works both as the leading man in his 5-piece band and as a session musician. With a hectic tour schedule over the last few years he has wowed music-lovers in many parts of the world with his extraordinary mastery of the bass guitar, and continues to surprise and impress his audiences at every turn.
Josh recently completed his third album – since his debut album ‘Wanetsa’ (2010) and ‘Time’ (2012) – which is due to be released soon. This week’s show will be a real treat as it will be an exclusive opportunity to hear what is on his new album before it’s even hit the air waves! This show is an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates Afro-Jazz and relishes an opportunity to see a genius at work.
His backing band on 5 March is comprised of Nick Nare (keyb), Prince Dzuwa (drums), Culei Mukamuri (synths), Vusa Mtunzi (saxophone) and the youngest member Silent Nqo (guitar) who opens the show with his own ensemble.
At home Josh Meck has worked with some of Zimbabwe’s highly acclaimed artists such as Chiwoniso Maraire, Comrade Fatso and Chabvondoka and Hope Masike. His collaborations have crossed Zimbabwean borders and seen him work with renowned artists such as Asali (Kenya), Mike del Ferro (Netherlands) and Nomsa Mazwai (South Africa) just to name a few.
In 2014 Josh joined the ‘Kunzwana #1’ cross-cultural collaboration with Zimbabwean and European artists which was presented by arts development organisation Pamberi Trust at Book Café and HIFA in May, and went on to Johannesburg, and several stages in Austria in July and August, where they were well received.
In September he entered into another exciting artistic collaboration with Europe-based HAJA Madagascar, the thrilling multi-instrumentalist from the Indian Ocean island who said “Working with such skillful musicians – and above all, very nice human beings – as Josh Meck and Blessing Muparutsa, is such an honour, and a good experience for me.”
Dr Herbert Murerwa, Zimbabwe Jazz aficionado and long-time supporter of the genre, recently predicted that Josh Meck will be ‘the next great jazz artist to come out of Zimbabwe’. Josh Meck is certainly well on his way to this high standing, and on Thursday 5 March at Book Café promises to deliver an outstanding performance!
Post published in: Arts