Allou April
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Guitarist
Allou April got his start over 15 years ago playing with garage bands from
the tender age of 16. After
moving from his hometown of Saldanha to Cape Town in the 1970’s, he was
discovered by some of the city’s top gospel bands, and so began his
career as one of the most sought after session musicians in the Mother
City. He later moved on to
playing in clubs, doing standards with instrumental jazz bands. Over
the years, Allou has developed his own unique style of guitar playing that
reflects the many eclectic genres within the South African music
environment. He has become a
significant voice within South Africa on the contemporary African and jazz
music landscape. Allou
says…”I find it important to project my personal passion through the
music of Cape Town, Africa and also the international jazz genre. The time
is ripe to share this music with the rest of the global community by
encouraging the meeting of different cultures which adds many more
dimensions to the world of music.” Allou
has had the opportunity of collaborating with many outstanding musicians
such as Sibongile Khumalo, Robbie Jansen, Hotep Galeta, Joe McBride and Al
Jarreau. Sheer
Sound proudly presents his long-awaited debut album, Bringing Joy.
This album reflects on various styles, including funk, goema,
gospel, township contemporary, and R&B, and is a collection of the
best material from compositions he has been putting together for the past
10 years. Allou says of his
music that it “…covers a wide range of experiences that reflect my
roots and place in the new world.” This
album features, amongst others, pianist Andile Yenana, trumpeter Marcus
Wyatt, Basi Mahlasela on percussion, Robbie Jansen on saxophones, and
R&B songstress TK. “He
is destined with his majestic guitar playing to become yet another
consummate professional and role model for any young musician interested
in the guitar.” Sandile
Memela – City Press For
more information, please contact Sheer Sound:
Tel:
+27 11 444 1818; Fax: +27 11 444 2275; |
