Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
VETERAN jazz muso, Ishe John Gara, who was part of the Military School of Music Band that was behind the hit single Amai Vadhikondo, is back on the music scene after a 10-year hiatus.

Popularly known as King in music circles, Gara is now the lead singer and keyboard player of Jazz Column, a new six-member band that comprises Alois ‘Angel Face’ Kumpeu (saxophone, backing vocals), Trix Cummings (trumpet and backing vocals), Thembi Ndlovu (lead guitar backing vocals), Mandy Banda (bass guitar) and Thando Moyo (drums).

The veteran, who had been focusing on business ventures, said he had returned to the music scene as he wanted to bring back the glory days of Jazz music to the City of Kings that once boasted of bands such as Submarine Band, Jazz Impacto and Wells Fargo.

“Jazz music was what I loved from a tender age. After years on the periphery, I’ve decided to be in the limelight again to show young musicians the ropes. We’ve a vision of making Bulawayo the bedrock of Jazz music in Zimbabwe, like what Jazz 105 was in Harare,” said King.

“Jazz music is timeless as it’s a part of our culture and history. It’s a fusion of all genres of music.”

Rehearsing at Gara’s fully-equipped home studio in Bulawayo, Jazz Column, which was formed this year, performs at the new Legends Sports Diner in Parklands every weekend.

“Early this year, I met former Military School of Music Band members including Angel Face in April after several years apart. We realised we still had a lot in common and decided to form a group that would perform around Bulawayo to revive the jazz genre.”

“When Legends Sports Diner opened last month, we didn’t hesitate to perform there. We’ve established a reasonable fan base and perform on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.”

The group mostly performs renditions of old time hits from Zimbabwe, South Africa and America. They include songs by Lovemore Majaivana, Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Hugh Masikela, Mirriam Makeba, Percy Sledge and James Brown.

King, who described himself as a progressive man, said he was impressed with up-and-coming artistes from Bulawayo who were carrying the torch for Jazz music.

“Up-and-coming groups such as Outfit Band, Roots and Harmonic Rhythms are in the right direction. I like their music. We just need to work together to rebuild the industry. They’re the future of the genre and just need guidance,” said King.

He said Jazz Column was working on an album, Beyond the Mountains, which they expect to be complete at the end of this year.

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