Formed in 1993 the band V.J.R. still boasts the original line up of Ian Smith (Trumpet & Flugelhorn & Vocals) Andrew Ford (Keyboards & Vocals) Sammy Weber (Bass & Vocals) and Frank Paco (Drums & Vocals). During this period the band has built up a large and loyal following both locally and abroad. The bands first CD release (V.J.R) reached the number one slot on local jazz charts and is aired on radio stations in New York, London, Germany, Denmark and Australia. They have performed throughout South Africa at most major venues and festivals including the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival and performed with top local and international acts such as Jonathan Butler, Jimmy Dludlu, Judith Sephuma, Winston Mankuku, Robbie Jansen, Hugh Masekela, Shakatak, Latoya Jackson, Selalo Selota, Jennifer Jones, Vicki Sampson amongst others..
The bands new CD is now available in your local record stores. The CD entitled Space & Consequence is a project created, financed, recorded, produced and mixed entirely by V.J.R themselves. This album reflects the true essence of V.J.R. with all the tracks being original compositions from the band members.
V.J.R. has broken away from the Sheer Sound label, opting for a deal with a distribution company (Jazzics) thus giving themselves more control and ownership of their own material. The musicians are optimistic about the CD and believe the integrity of the compositions and the quality of this album will propel the band into the international circuit.
As with the first CD this one also hosts a variety of styles ranging from Latin, funk, ballads, a touch of swing and acid jazz. Some notable tracks include "Space & Consequence" (for explanation by composer Andrew Ford of this deep and meaningful title). This piece has a classical form as it is written in the mode of a tone poem and is a hefty and fairly cerebral work. "Postage Paid" - a hauntingly beautiful bass feature composed by bassist Sammy Weber which makes effective use of both the fretless and 5 string bass with a touch of muted trumpet. "Monty's lament" a composition by Ian Smith is dedicated to the late Monty Weber the famous Cape Town dummer and bandleader who passed away in 1999. Kinara's Dance - composed by Frank Paco an exciting percussive afro cuban contribution. "My little brown book" very danceable with a groove the locals refer to as the "Kaapse druk".
All the tracks have something to say, and V.J.R. feels that there are no fillers on this album. The focus is now, or performing and promoting the bands now vast original repertoire with concerts countrywide and abroad.
Festivals:
North Sea Jazz Festival
One City, One Festival
Artscape
Standard Bank - Joy of Jazz
Portnet Festival
Jazzathon - Waterfront
Kirstenbosch Summer Festival
Kirstenbosch Winter Festival
Grahamstown Wine Festival
Franshoek Wine Festival
Cape Town Festival
Heritage Festival
Davidorff International Vocal Festival
Up the Creek
and many more........
For further info phone Ian Smith at 27 (021) 553 4812 or Cell: 0824583176 email: ian@vjr.co.za
