ABOUT ME
I studied music and art and literature at the University of Witwatersrand and achieved a BA degree. I went to America to further my musical studies and returned to SA in 1982 to play oboe in various South African orchestras for the next 15 years.
During this time I became more interested in jazz and saxophone playing, and after resigning from classical orchestra employment about ten years ago, I have been working as a freelance jazz/pop saxophonist and film composer/arranger and teacher– playing mostly Tenor Sax in various bands, recordings and ensembles and in theatrical productions.
Though playing Tenor is my favourite, I also play Alto, Soprano, and more recently the Baritone sax in ensemble.
I play Oboe and Oboe D'Amore and Cor Anglais, freelancing after a very long classical career, with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) and the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra(JFO) for special performances.
I currently hold teaching positions at St Mary, St Peter and St David High Schools and the National School for the Arts where I teach saxophone, oboe and clarinet.
I teach private Sax students from my studio at home over weekends.
MY WORK
Jazz Performances: I play with several jazz musicians, in trio or quartet form as Peter Jaspan and Friends Play Jazz. Look out on my FB page for postings to performances at Poppy's Restaurant in Melville, a vibey place with good food. Recently, on July 16 2017, I relaunched Jazz Central with Darlington Okofu on Keys and Amaeshi Ikechi on Bass. Mihi Matshingana joined us as guest singer Teaching: I teach the sax at several high schools, and private students after hours from my studio at home. Composing: From time to time I compose music for short movies, experimental film, and documentaries. Classical Performances: I play the baritone in Moya Sax quartet: the ensemble beautifully coming together in a couple of recent performances. I also still play the oboe in some JPO and JFO performances, as well as classical tenor and soprano sax. |
Ceri Moelwyn-Hughes and I founded the
Moya Sax Quartet in 2014 with Camron Edwards and Matthew Lombard |
|
Klezmer and other genres I play the clarinet and soprano sax with trombonist Dan Selsick and a group of Klezmer musicians at weddings and other Jewish celebrations. When I compose and arrange soundtracks to film, I love playing the EWI with its extensive range of sound. This photograph of me playing the Clarinet, was taken at the launch of Dax Butler's latest album, Trouble In Mind Trouble In Mind and other albums by Dax Butler available here |
JAZZ MUSICIANS I OFTEN PERFORM WITH
Dan Selsick-Trombone * Amaeshi Ikechi -Bass * Cleopas Mazibuko-Keys * Pete Sklair-Bass * Tsepo Monareng-Keys * Darlington Okofu-Keys
Cesare Cassarino-Bass * Dave Cousins-Keys * Jason Green-Bass * Daniel De Wet-Keys * Callandra Youngleson-Voice * Mihi Matshingana-Voice
Ariel Zamonsky-Bass * Vid Gobac-Drums * Roger Hobbs-Bass * Dax Butler-Voice and guitar * Herbie Tsoali-Bass
Camron Andrews-Alto Sax * Wayne Purchase-Keys * Nomvulo Mehlomakhulu-Voice * Denzil Weale-Keys
Dave Sendev-Trumpet * Tumelo Mpete-Keys
Mac Mckenzie-Ghoema Band
Laurie Howe Swing Band
En Fuego Salsa Band
&
Others