This will be in honour of legendary jazz John Coltrane’s documentary
‘Chasing Trane’ aboard South Africa’s icon and ‘pullman’ The Blue Train.
Chasing Trane, is a unique experience that seeks to celebrate Coltrane and rich South African jazz music, through the screening of the doccie.
One of Coltrane’s most successful albums was titled Blue Train and is still considered amongst the greatest works in the genre.
The film (unprecedentedly) will be exhibited on a two-day journey, November 9 to10, 2017.
Although unconfirmed, stars such as Japanese keyboardist Kieko Matsui, is likely to share the stage with the likes of Branford Marsalis (who was in the country last week for the 2017 Joy of Jazz), McCoy Mrubata and Grammy nominated producer Don ‘Mahwetsha’ Laka, who will curate the jazz festival in Cape Town.
“This is the first of its kind in SA and we’re honoured to increase the footprint of the film by brining it to our shores,” commented Laka at the media briefing.
“This goes on to show the richness SA pride itself with when coming to jazz. We’re becoming the destination of jazz and Coltrane wouldn’t have it other way than to premier the film on our shores,” he said.
Invited guests will experience a 2-day jamboree featuring 6 popular, contemporary South African jazz musicians who will perform original compositions in the spirit of the jazz legend at key destinations in the fields of the famed Delaire Graff Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
As the tour winds down and for the grand finale, a public concert will be held at Kaleidoscope, a leading Cape Town contemporary club.
Blue Train -chief executive- Vincent Monyake couldn’t hide his excitement as he outlined their involvement and the gob-smacking itinerary.
“This is unprecedented in that when the concept was presented to us, we did not think twice to come on board and offer both international and local guests -especially those who haven’t been on our luxurious train- the opulence it is associated with.
This unsurpassed experience will be seen by 450million eye-balls; contribute to the growth of our brand on the international front, etc,” he said.
Coltrane, according to Laka, was believed to be a ‘Spiritual jazz believer’ the way he conducted himself on stage.
He died at age 41 –relatively a young age- a fact Laka pointed out on why jazz is now being followed by younger generation.
The Chasing Trane hitmaker also shared strings with another legend Miles Davies.
International music producer Spencer Proffer, one of the producers of the documentary, will partner with former Telkom CE Papi Molotsane, as Co-Executive producer for this mouthwatering event.
Posed to Laka, if any of Coltrane’s family members will be coming down, he’s response was subdue but confirmed Coltrane’s band will.
“As yet we can’t divulge much on that including, some of the top jazz stars because talks are still on going”.
Chasing Trane will be available on Netflix globally from November 2017.
The film has premiered at prestigious Telluride and Toronto Film Festivals, followed by openings at select U.S. theaters.
