RAIED SHUQUM (ABU DHABI)
The Black Box at NYU Abu Dhabi will host the UAE debut of the Claude Cozens Trio, featuring special guests Ghazi Al-Mulaifi and Tonatiut Zardoìn, on October 5. The performance marks a significant reunion for the South African jazz-fusion ensemble, known for their dynamic blend of traditional jazz sounds and modern improvisations – their first reunion in over a decade.
The trio, comprising Kyle Shepherd on piano and keyboards, Benjamin Jephta on double bass and electric bass, and Claude Cozens on drums, has been celebrated for their innovative approach to jazz. The trio's performances include Standard Bank Jazz Festival in Makhanda, South Africa, and the main stage of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2015. Since then, the band had split up. Their music, deeply rooted in the vibrant Cape jazz tradition, seamlessly transitions between acoustic and electric styles, offering audiences a rich tapestry of sound.
Cozens, a multi-instrumentalist and composer, formed the trio to explore the rich Cape jazz tradition. The group's music is characterised by its dynamic transitions between acoustic and electric styles, creating a unique soundscape that reflects their South African heritage.
Cozens, a prominent South African drummer, pianist, and composer, began playing drums at the age of thirteen and quickly became a regular musician at his local church, where he also played bass and piano. Cozens' journey into jazz and improvised music started at Muizenberg High School under the mentorship of Fred Kuit. He further honed his skills at the South African College of Music and the Norwegian Academy of Music. Cozens is celebrated for his dynamic drumming style and has performed at major jazz festivals, including the Standard Bank Jazz Festival.
Shepherd, one of South Africa's leading jazz pianists and composers, began his musical journey on the violin before transitioning to the piano at age fifteen. He has released seven albums and performed in over 30 countries, including prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House. He is also a renowned film and theatre composer, with scores for Netflix series and South African films. Shepherd was named the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz in 2014 and has received numerous awards for his contributions to music.
Jephta, a distinguished double and electric bass player, started performing at the age of fourteen and has since become one of South Africa's premier bassists. He graduated from the University of Cape Town and later from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute. He has worked with notable musicians like Hugh Masekela and Sibongile Khumalo and has performed internationally. Jephta has released two albums as a bandleader and received the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz award in 2017. He is also a lecturer in Jazz Studies and Film Composition at the University of Witwatersrand.
Joining the trio for this special performance are Al-Mulaifi, a Kuwaiti-American guitarist, and Tona aka Tonatiut Zardoìn, a Cuban trumpeter. Both musicians bring their unique influences to the ensemble, promising an evening of eclectic and engaging musical dialogue.