The 2019 Cape Town International Jazz Festival is around the corner, and one big band is set to inspire with its all-female ensemble.
Cape Town, South Africa – The Lady Day Big Band will be playing at this year’s jazz festival at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Saturday 30 March. The band was founded by vocalist Lana Crowster.
Lana worked in collaboration with acclaimed vocalist and pianist Amanda Tiffin, and the highly respected trombonist and composer Kelly Bell. The all-female big band goes by the name Lady Day Big Band. It was launched in 2018 at the South African Jazz Educators’ Conference in Cape Town.
The band is made up of 21 professional women. The women throw a unique twist on their big band performances by incorporating contemporary styles lead by Lana’s powerful vocals.
Lana hopes that the all-female big band will inspire young girls to follow their passion for music.
“I have always dreamed of starting a big band that would provide a platform for professional women musicians to showcase their talents in a safe space,”
“This project is also about inspiring young girls who may have a passion for music. I want young girls to see us doing what we love, doing it well, and see what is possible for them.” – Lana Crowster
Vocalist and pianist Amanda Tiffin will be leading the big band during their performance, as the conductor. She is filled with pride at how the women all came together to play their hearts out. The group have been writing and arranging their music to feature at the jazz festival.
“Watching these musicians come together in such a short space of time and really own the music and their space has been a truly powerful experience.”
The big band has drawn inspiration from Billie Holliday who was a significant influence for American jazz. Her vocals, which were inspired by jazz instrumentalists, paved the way for women in jazz all those decades ago.
The big band were featured on the Cape Town morning talk show, Expresso. They gave a sneak peek performance for the morning show audience, and it gave us chills listening to the powerhouse talent of the band.
Take a look below: