22.03.2008
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22.03.2008
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Homepage von Concord Nkabinde: www.concordcreativity.com
Concord MailHi ALL - 25.01.2006 07:30
Some decision in life are harder to make, but have to be made. June of 2000,
when I joined the band, seems like yesterday, but it has actually been 5 years &
6 months. This has definitely been a highlight in my career. I have learnt so
much about life, music, people, myself, my beautiful country, the music industry
& many other things. Being in JC's band is like being through an institution of
higher learning and I am grateful that I was chosen to go through that enriching
experience. Johnny himself has been very generous with information &
experience(and boy does he have it. If reading were a crime, JC would be serving
life sentence). Being Zulu myself, it is amazing how much I have learnt from him
about Zulu culture. I will forever be grateful for having been a part of his
vision.
The band too have been a "dream band". Good spirits, great performers &
wonderful people. One sign that this band was a beautiful experience is that
every band member is currently in studio recording their solo albums, we are all
playing on each others albums. That to me means I will always be a part of this
band. A special THANKS to Andy for being a truly democratic musical director,
who allowed us all space to be ourselves yet still understand Johnny's vision
and direction.
You as supporters of JC, you have been amazing in the way you embraced us,
especially as the newer band members. I trust that you realise that your support
for Johnny is a support for a nation's aspirations for a better, united and
peaceful world. I am sure South Africa appreciates your being a part of us in
this way. Thank you for your support & for the CDs you bought.
My solo career has been threatening to take off for a while now, but I never
gave it space & time. I strongly believe that this is the right time for me to
focus on it. The one important lesson I am taking from JC is how one can pursue
a dream, and that is exactly what I am doing now. I am currently in studio
recording the second CD for a March release.
It is sad for me to be leaving, but one thing I am very happy about is that I am
leaving in good spirits with all in the band. No bitter emotions at all. I had a
long chat with JC about my future and he is very supportive of my endeavours.
Once again Thank you, Merci beaucoup, Muchas gracias, Danke, Baie Dankie,
Ngiyabonga to all of you and may God richly bless each one of you in your areas
of need.
Much love
Concord
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concord Nkabinde
Drocnoc Music
concord@concordcreativity.com
(c)+27 82 444 9762
(h)+27 11 941 3716
www.concordcreativity.com
Joined Johnny Clegg in 2000
http://www.johnnyclegg.com/concordbiog.htm
Born 33 years ago in Soweto, Johannesburg. Began music in church at the age of 10, playing guitar and percussion. Later picked up the bass, unsupervised. Soon joined gospel bands in and around Johannesburg.
1990 - 1994 studied towards a Bachelor of music in Jazz Studies, at the University of Natal, Durban. Went on to teach at F.U.B.A. Academy and then at Funda Centre Music Department.Currently, Examination Moderator for Eastside Music College and Dobsonville Music College, under the Department of Education.
Recorded and/or performed with :
Hugh Masekela(S.A.);Merriam Makeba(S.A.); Airto Moreira; Darius Brubeck(S.A./U.S.A.); Sergio Diaz(Brasil); Colin Vearncombe -"Black"(U.K.);Bendik Hofseth(Norway);Per Lindval(Sweden);Ray Phiri(S.A.); Roy Ayers(U.S.A.); Phil Manzaniera(U.K.);Ladysmith Black Mambazo(S.A.);Edyta Gorniak(Poland);Efrain Toro(Puerto Rico); Durban City Orchestra(S.A.);Eerro Koivistionen(Finnland);Ernie Smith(S.A.);Vusi Mahlasela(S.A.); Mikko Kuustonen(Finnland);Joyous Celebration(S.A.);Family Factory(S.A.);Claire Johnston(S.A.); "Our Asia"(China) and many more.
Bass guitarist, composer/arranger, producer and music educator.
http://www.bassplayers.co.za/batw.html
Born in Soweto, which is where his music career began, by playing Gospel music. He then studied at the University of Natal towards a B. Mus. degree in Jazz Studies. With a passion for collaboration projects, Nkabinde has been involved in many such projects: “Two Nations”(U.K./S.A.); “Shuttle 99”(Nordic/S.A.); “Beyond the Rainbow”(China/S.A.); “Sergio Diaz”(Brazil/S.A.); “Gathering Forces” (Indian Traditional/Jazz) and many more. Concord has also produced albums for Joyous Celebration and for the late, Wendy Mseleku.
Amongst the artists he has recorded and/or performed with, are: Johnny Clegg, The Soweto String Quartet, Ernie Smith, Abdulah Ibrahim, Roy Ayers (US) Vusi Mahlasela, Gloria Bosman, Bendik Hofseth (Norway), Black(U.K.), Willow Creek Band(Chicago ,US), Tamara Dey and many more.
Currently, he is working with Johnny Clegg, Ernie Smith, Gloria Bosman, Wendy Oldfield, Kreesan.
They may be 25 years old (which is very long in award years) but the Young Artists Awards, for evolving South African talent, have lost none of their lustre.
Just think of Richard E Grant (1981), Janice Honeyman (1982), Paul Slabolepszy (1983), Peter Schutz (1984), Maishe Maponya (1985), Andrew Buckland (1986), William Kentridge (1987), Helen Sebidi, Marthinus Basson, Johnny Clegg and Gary Gordon (1989) and you get the idea.
The Standard Bank came on board in 1984 and last night, in Johannesburg, the bank celebrated 22 years of sponsoring these trendsetting accolades by announcing a bright new batch of achievers identified by the festival committee.
They are: Hlengiwe Lushaba (dance), Churchill Madikida (visual art), Concord Nkabinde (jazz), and Sylvaine Strike (drama).
Since Five Roses (the original sponsors) started handing out these artistic laurels, linked to the annual National Arts Festival in Grahams-town, 84 awards have been presented, including five special tributes to artists “in recognition of their contribution to the National Arts Festival and the arts in South Africa in general”.
Among these recipients have been Pieter-Dirk Uys (1989) and Alfred Hinkel (1997). Moses Taiwa Molelekwa (2004) and Ramolao Makhene (2005) were honoured posthumously.
The winners each receive a grant for their productions, or exhibitions, as well as a cash prize. Their commissioned works will premiere at the 2006 National Arts Festival from June 29 to July 8.
.......Concord Nkabinde: True to his name this musician, composer, producer and music educationist has travelled extensively as a terrific bass guitarist with, among others, Johnny Clegg, Zim Ngqawana, Darius Brubeck, Deepak Ram, Ray Phiri and the late Gito Baloi.
Nkabinde (37) was born in Soweto and matriculated at Jabulani Technical High School. His passion for music, since he was 10 years old, culminated in his graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz studies at the University of Natal. He earned his teaching spurs at Fuba, then at Soweto's Funda Centre, before becoming a studio and touring musician.
As a producer he has worked on Joyous Celebration 1 and the late Wendy Mseleku's Picking up the Pieces. He has been active across musical genres from rock to jazz and traditional African music.
Nkabinde has also been involved in cross-cultural nation-to-nation projects such as Southern Cross (with Brazil, 1994), Two Nations (with the UK, 1997), Shuttle '99 (with all the Nordic countries, 1999), Beyond the Rainbow (with China 2001); and Imbizo (with Finland, 2003).
......
An Interview with Concord
By Martin Simpson http://www.bassplayers.co.za/interviewconcord.html
In the second half of 2001, I spoke to
Aggi at Guitar World and told him that I was now ready to start working at the
bass compilation album idea I had conceived a year previously. I needed to start
contacting other bassists but knew not a single player. Aggi gave me eight names
to get me started and the first person I made contact with was a very
enthusiastic Concord. As the months have gone by we’ve both realised that we can
just about trust each other with our lives and although we operate in different
areas of the musical / creativity spectrums, we’ve got a mutual respect of each
others abilities and together make a great team even though we actually meet
only about once a month. I put some questions to my bass playing buddy and this
is what he had to say.
How long have you been playing Concs?
I started by playing the acoustic guitar in 1980. I
started learning on my own by watching a friend who used to come and play my
dad’s guitar at our home. He would then leave, and I would pick the guitar up
and try and play what he was playing. My brother was also learning guitar and at
some point he converted one of our guitars to a four-stringed one. The idea of
playing single notes, yet making an effective impact on the sound and colour,
fascinated me a lot. That was the beginning of the bass journey.
So I started playing bass in 1985. I started by playing in church. Now, playing
in the black church in Soweto was the best musical education I have and will
ever have. Whether you are aware of it or not, your ear gets developed and very
fast. This happened because, anyone during the service can start a song, in any
key and in any tempo. You have to be spontaneous and sharp. Often, the key went
higher as the song progressed. I still play in the church from time to time and
it still is a fulfilling experience. No gig compares to playing in that kind of
setting.
After a while I started interacting with other musicians “outside” the church
and a whole new world suddenly emerged. The rest, as they say, is history.
What’s your favourite band / solo artist?
I do not have a particular band/musician that is a
favourite. I like different musicians/bands for different things. I must say
though, that I am more into singers and horn players than I am into bass players.
The sense of melody fascinates me more. I have been referred to as a melodic
player. If that is true, then it is because of my passion and respect for melody.
At the moment I am listening to Richard Bona – “Reverence”, Frank McComb – “Love
stories”, Bebe Winans – “Live and up close”, Eva Cassidy – “Songbird” and a few
others, Norah Jones – “Come away with me”.
What instrument/s are you using and why?
The issue of choosing an instrument is an important one
and it takes years. At least for me it did. I have tried a number of basses
through many different amps, playing a vast range of styles. I am not one to be
technical about how
many types of wood were used, the different pick-up configurations, the length
of the neck. For me the questions are, “Is it sounding good?” “Does it feel good
when I’m holding it?” and of course, “Are we grooving?”
After many years of experimenting with basses, Lakland Basses were like a
revelation to me. Thanks to Andy McGibbon at his Guitar World. Basically, the
Lakland answered all the questions raised above. The distribution of sound and
consistency of tone all over the bass was amazing. It was light weighted yet
heavy on sound.
More striking was the wide range of tone. This means you will hear 5 guys/girls
playing Laklands and they will each have their own individual sounds. That to me
is crucial in a bass.
I have been blessed to have been in touch with Dan Lakin in Chicago, who is Mr
Lakland. A very warm gentleman. If you visit their web-site www.lakland.com you
will realise how big they are one service and making the bassist happy. Isn’t
that what we all want?
Needless to say, I am sold out on Lakland Basses. I hope to get a chance to test
drive their other basses. By the way, if you thought these basses were way too
out of your financial league, then visit the web-site and check their ‘Skyline’
series or visit Andy McGibbon’s Guitar World, Randburg, South Africa.
What are the amps you’re currently using?
I should open this paragraph as the one before.
The same principle applies. You have to test it and listen to whether or not it
sounds good. If it sounds great for Marcus Miller, it does not mean it will
sound the same for you. The search for your own sound and voice continues for a
long time. To answer your question, I use SWR amps. As one that plays from Jazz
to Rock, from Afro-pop to Britney-pop, it is important to find a flexible amp.
An amp that can be pushed to the limit yet remain warm. An amp that exposes the
true sound of my bass and still have great looks, if image matters to you.
In the studio I use the SWR amp head and go directly to the desk. Clean, phat
and warm.
You’ve been working with Johnny Clegg for as long as I’ve known you. You
obviously enjoy the gig. Can you tell us a little about it.
Have we known each other for that short a time? I only
joined Johnny Clegg in July of 2001, after the passing away of Solly
Ledwaba. What a bass player! I enjoy the gig a lot. Because of its strong
concept, it is more than just a gig. It is as relevant today as it was when Johnny started. Any concept that challenges stereo-types, that’s where you will
find me. There is a lot of fun in the actual music, but it also carries the
power to change the lives of those who get to experience it. The musicians are
great to play with - no hang-ups. I love playing whilst singing and dancing too.
It is actually funny how life works out. A number of years ago, I was a kid,
fascinated by Johnny and Sipho as Juluka. Now I am working with them. Lesson
learned : Never ignore that which is around you.
What have you been doing for the last five years or so other than the Johnny
Clegg gig?
Most importantly, I have been recording my solo project.
It has been an amazing and a learning process. It has taken this long because I
am doing it independently. Thank God it is almost done. Other than that, I have
been working with different musicians on recordings and live gigs: Ernie Smith,
Gloria Bosman, Paul Hanmer, etc. I also conduct workshops from time to time on
areas such as: “Song writing and arranging”, “Ensemble playing”, “Rehearsal
techniques”, etc. I have also been learning to speak Spanish. Now I am waiting
to meet that Spanish babe.
What recordings that you’ve played on would you recommend for listening?
Gloria Bosman (S.A.) – “Stop and think” – Sheer Sound
Records
Colin “Black” Vearncombe (U.K.) – “Live at the Bassline” – Nero Schwarz Limited
Soweto String Quartet (S.A.) – a new one due for release in March 2003 - BMG.
Ernie Smith (S.A.) – “Child of the light” – Sheer Sound
Joyous Celebration (S.A.) – “Joyous Celebration 5” – Sony Music Entertainment
What’s been the low point in your career so far?
I don’t think I have had any. All points have a positive
out come, if you are patient enough to wait and see.
And what has been the high point?
Apart from creating music, I love travelling, so the tours
I have done with Johnny Clegg have given me a high that’s a little higher.
However, I think the highest points of my career are yet to come. Lord willingly.
What are your goals currently?
To finish the album and share it with the world. Also, to
continue playing and touring with other bands and with mine. I plan to write
more than I am doing now. Production is drawing my heart day by day, so I will
pursue that side of things too. To get more involved with development programmes.
We need to give back. If some one had not given unselfishly, we would not have
come thus far.
I am happy to be part of the South African Bass Players Collective. This is a
project I would love to see grow and serve bass players and the music industry
as a whole. We all need to stand up and take our place. To whom much has been
given, much is required. What we are doing is much bigger than music, much
deeper than the notes we play. We all have a greater calling in this life. If we
do nothing about it and do not use the influence we have been blessed with, one
thing will lead to another and we’ll end up with a baseless society. Hence, the
people who want to start wars for selfish and lame reasons.
“Let peace be written on the wind” – Concord Nkabinde
Gig Report 13/11/06 Event: China Artists Performance
Group Tour Date: 12 Nov. 2006 Venue: Centre Court , Emperors Palace ,
Johannesburg
.....
Musicians Concord Nkabinde & Lili Feng met in 2000 at
a SA/China collaboration project, “Beyond the
Rainbow”. Since then the two have recorded music for
Concord ’s 2 CDs: “The time the season”(2003) & “This
is my world”(2006).
Last night saw the two artists get on stage together
for the first time, at the China Artists Performance
Group’s concert at Centre Court, Emperors Palace, an
event hosted by The Chinese Embassy and
Consulate-General in South Africa.
The music by Concord & Lili combines traditional
Chinese & South African sounds.
They sing in Mandarin, Zulu and in English. The
message behind the songs is that of pursuing & feeding
a curiosity of ‘who the other person is & how I can
engage and live with them’.
The audience, who were 99% Chinese, were highly moved
by the performance. To see Lili Feng singing in Zulu
and Concord Nkabinde in Chinese(Mandarin) was
mind-blowing for all present. As one of their songs
goes, “…I may not be a part of your history but love
will open up the mystery…”, surely the mystery began
unfolding for many, last night.
Lili & Concord are currently working on a solo
recording of Lili’s, which will largely be African
inspired but sung in Chinese. This type of
collaboration does not seem to have been explored
much. Hopefully it will inspire many artists to
explore more creative relations across the cultural
divide and begin to build walls of trust.
.....
www.concordcreativity.com
by Therese Owen
http://www.tonight.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=348&fArticleId=3542304
November 16, 2006
I first heard Concord Nkabinde's name back in my Durban days in the early '90s.
Even though he was studying jazz at the University of Natal, his name as a
bassist was always connected to Durban's top jazz musicians. I never saw him
perform because then I was into my Satan-Metal or Die! culture.
More than 12 years have passed since those dark days, and Nkabinde's name is now
nationally associated with good bass playing. Lazy journos lump him with the
jazz fraternity, but this brilliant bassist, through his session work, plays
rock to afro-pop and funk. He has played with everyone from Ian Herman to Arno
Carstens and is currently Johnny Clegg's bassist.
"I didn't choose the bass, the bass chose me," he says simply. "I first picked
up the acoustic guitar when I was 10 years old. The bass has one note at a time
so it is easier to play, but the responsibility is much bigger. You're in the
background but together with drums you have to keep the rhythm and the song
together. I love making an impact but not being in people's faces."
"I make a comfortable living in session music, but through my solo project I
have been forced to look at why I make music," says Concord, who clearly does
not take things at face value.
He has a questioning mind and, judging by his lyrics and our conversation, is a
deep thinker. He speaks slowly and gently, and prefers the serious side of life.
"The gift of influence comes with a lot of responsibility and this, my second
solo project, is quite challenging, especially when playing live. You have an
hour to address people. When I create music, what am I saying?"
When listening to This is my World, he is saying a lot. On his first album he
chose chants and instrumentals but says he enjoyed writing lyrics for his
second.
"The lyrics are a reflection of where I am. I am soul-searching. I hardly ever
write love songs but I did put one on the album. This is the perfect time for me
to release. I feel so ready."
Through working with so many musicians he was able to hand pick exactly who to
play on his album. This includes lady of the moment, Maduvha. "When Maduvha
sings in Venda, you just fall in love. I chose Venda because it is so
marginalised. I love exploring languages and on this album I sing in Zulu and
Spanish and Mandarin, among others."
He says he can speak six languages and is also learning French, Spanish and
Venda. "I like to explore languages in my performances because it brings
different cultures together.
"It may be a small thing but I would love a Chinese audience. Chinese people are
considered faceless by us. Lili Feng plays a zither, which is an 18-string
instrument. She is featured on my album. I recently performed with her for 2 000
Chinese people at Emperor's palace hosted by the Chinese Embassy. When they
heard me sing in Mandarin they went mad."
The two met in 2000 at a South Africa-China collaboration project and she is
featured on both his albums.
"I'm currently working on her album, which she will be singing in Mandarin," he
says. He pauses, then adds: "I love doing things people haven't done or won't
want to do."