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His distinctive raunchy
tenor sound and the untiring commitment to his cultural roots made him one
of the best known jazzmen to come out of South Africa. He earned the
nickname "Mannenberg" after the hugely succesful collaboration
with Dollar Brand in the late seventies. Basil toured and recorded
extensively with Brand (Abdullah Ebrahim). Together with Robbie Jansen
they created the unique brass sound of the group Pacific Express inspiring
many younger jazz musicians in Cape Town.
Some of these recordings are to be heard on 'Pacific Express Anthology
Part 1 and 2.'
Basil Coetzee - Sabenza:
This was actually a project of former Pacific Express members lead by
Basil. Sabenza - derived from 'SABand' and the Zulu word for work 'sebenza'
- was the work of Basil, Robbie Jansen, Paul Abrahams and Jack Momple who
had all left American influenced jazz in search of their Cape roots.
Recorded by Kevin Shirley in the space of a week, this album shook up
perceptions about local jazz as it provided the beat for many parties.
Includes some Cape Jazz gems.
MOU522 - 1988
Basil Coetzee - Monwabisi:
Basil's second solo project recorded in difficult times for the artist as
he sought to establish his name away from previous successful associations.
In the period between leaving his former Pacific Express associates and
playing only sporadically for Abdullah Ebrahim, Coetzee and bass player,
Paul Abrahams worked together as a duo. Many of the works on this album
were arranged and written by these two.
MOU592 - 1993
Basil Coetzee - B:
The third solo album from tenor saxophone giant of Cape Jazz. Basil was an
important cultural figure in the Cape until his death in March 1998. This
album contains some of his best work and includes contributions from
players who worked with him for many years. Coetzee rose to prominence in
the jazz scene as part of the Dollar Brand group in the late 70s. He
recorded extensively with Brand (Abdullah Ebrahim) and toured with him on
many occasions. Coetzee took his lead from Ebrahim who is perhaps the best
known 'master of jazz' from the Cape.
MOU7522 - 1998/9
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