The Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria, in collaboration with International Jazzday, is proud to announce the long-awaited tour of the Giovanni Guidi Jazz Trio, both in South Africa (May 1-5) and Namibia (May 6).
Born in 1985, Giovanni Guidi is an Italian jazz pianist well-known on the European scene as a bandleader and a frequent sideman for trumpeter Enrico Rava. His touch is told to be subtle but technically deft both in his performances as a soloist and an accompanist. After his debut album as a leader at the early age of 21, Guidi has always demonstrated resourcefulness and adaptability. In 2013 he signed with the famous ECM record label e short after he began his collaboration with American bassist Joe Rehmer and Italian drummer Enrico Morello.
This now well-established trio is renowned for its unique sound and style, combining elements of jazz, classical music, and improvisation. They have released several albums and collaborations and performed at various venues and festivals worldwide, receiving critical acclaim for their live performances.
Their first leg will be at the prestigious Journey to Jazz – Prince Albert Festival (May 1-5), where the artists will perform under the starry sky of the Karoo Desert. As an annual festival, Journey to Jazz offers a week of music, masterclasses, food, and nature at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Friday, May 3 h7:15 pm – The Showroom Theatre, 43 Church Street, Prince Albert, South Africa. For bookings and info about the full program of the festival: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/247496-prince-albert-journey-to-jazz/#/tickets
- Saturday, May 4 h4:15 pm – Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk, 26 Church Street, Prince Albert, South Africa. For bookings and info about the full program of the festival: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/247496-prince-albert-journey-to-jazz/#/tickets
The next stop will be the National Theatre of Namibia, where the concert will be opened by the national vocal artist Erna Chimu and her band for a night of magical rhythms. Namibian jazz singer and songwriter, Erna Chimu rose to fame when she won several musical awards in 2014, including best instrumental jazz, best traditional song, and female artist of the year at the Namibia Annual Music Awards.
- Monday, May 6 h6:30 pm – National Theatre of Namibia, Robert Mugabe Avenue, Windhoek, Namibia.
Please note that this event is FREE, but bookings are compulsory at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/giovanni-guidi-trio-a-jazz-odyssey-tickets-875915535947?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more info, please refer to the Italian Cultural Institute at iicpretoria.eventi@esteri.it or 012 342 0010.