Absolute Zero

Absolute Zero

Angelo Angelos (Piano, Vocals)

Angelo left his vocation as an Electrical Engineer in 1996 to pursue a lifelong dream to play music professionally. He had been performing and studying music as a sideline for ten years until he came to a point in his life when the voice inside was speaking too loudly to be ignored. And so he took the plunge and followed his heart. Two years later he met Mervin through a mutual friend and they began to collaborate on original material that became the music of Absolute Zero. It is a project inspired and fuelled by an overwhelming desire to express a truth that was long ignored in Angelo's life. Angelo studied Electrical Engineering at Wits University and then went on to receive his Masters degree in Electrical Engineering at Harvard University in Boston, USA.

Mervin Naidoo (Bass)

Mervin has nurtured a love for music all his life. From the very first moments on his father's lap, playing the drums, to playing acoustic guitar in the rhythm section of the church gospel band, to playing the bass guitar in a local dance band. He explored this love for music and the journey led him to the world of jazz and original composition. He realized that this was where he would find himself and his musical voice. Not long after this, he met Angelo and they formed Absolute Zero. Mervin is also studying for his Doctorate in Solid State Physics and Surface Science at Wits University.

Additional artists

Stephen Berliner (Guitars, Flute, Vocals)

Steve was born in London, where from an early age he studied classical guitar with Pat Burke. He continued to study music (after joining the Jazz outfit 'Osiris') at UNISA, where he studied clarinet under the guidance of Ferdinand Fischli. He also started paying the flute during this period. He later worked with Carlo Mombelli on two projects after which he formed the group 'Changes' in 1986. In 1989 he worked with Greg Georgeadis in the band 'Fly By Nite' and recorded the album 'James' with this outfit. He is currently working on his one-man-band operation which bears his nickname 'Stevie B'. He recently completed a three year course in harmony and arranging at the Pretoria Tech, which has made him an excellent session musician for television and recording. He describes the music of Absolute Zero as a homecoming, close to the music he loves. He has had a wonderful influence on our music and is integral to the sound on our debut album.

Phillip Meintjies (Drums)

Phillip has had a long and distinguished career as a drummer and percussionist in various bands and in various countries. He has taken his own band 'Shine' on the hotel circuit in South Africa, performing in the Sun International Group of Hotels in Botswana, Mmabatho, Sun City and Maseru. 'Shine' has also performed on the hotel circuit in Dubai and Oman (United Arab Emirates). Phillip has performed as a session musician for South African artists such as Ray Phiri, Gloria Bosman, Caiphus and Letta, Victor Masondo, Mcoy Mrubata, and Sibongile Khumalo. He has drummed for international artists of the calibre of Gerald Albright, Peabo Bryson and Rene McLean. His discography includes recordings with Miriam Makeba, Stimela, Place of Hope (a collaboration of South African and American musicians), and Babsey Mlangeni. Phillip has also taught drums and percussion at the Mmabana Cultural Centre. Phillip feels and interprets the music of Absolute Zero like no other. It is a joy to have him on stage with us.

Christopher Luke (Saxophone)

Christopher Luke has a B.Mus Jazz Studies degree from the University of Cape Town (UCT) where he graduated with the Bell Prize for practical studies (highest mark for the saxophone practical examination). Chris plays all the saxophones as first instrument. He also plays the clarinet, bass guitar and keyboard. Chris has spent time sharing his knowledge with aspiring musicians and his teaching experience includes part-time lecturing at UCT, the Saint Francis Adult Education Centre in Langa (Cape Town), Bishops High School (Cape Town), and Crawford College (Johannesburg). He has performed with various bands over the years including the likes of the UCT Big Band, the South African Police Orchestra, Ilanga Le Afrika, The Blues Broers, and The Boulevard Blues Band. Chris has also performed in numerous shows including Return To The Forbidden Planet, Roll Over Beethoven, Annie, and Glory Days. His discography includes the CD 'Been Around' by the Blues Broers, a Jewish religious CD by Ezra Altchuler called 'Blessings From Above', and a solo saxophone project called 'Sax Plays The Best Of Celine Dion'. Chris performs with energy and verve and it is always a pleasure to have him on stage with us.