Music
Recording: Concord, Live in Joburg
Date: (of release) November 2011
On the afternoon of Friday 11 May, I managed to get my hands on a copy of Concord Nkabinde's newly released DVD titled, Concord- "Live in Joburg, South Africa". As soon as I had it, I knew what I'd be up to on Sunday evening. I don't know what it is about Sunday evenings and good music. They just seem to go well together. No interruptions, no rush, no noise, no drama - just peace and good music.
So, the humble Nkabinde comes to the mic, greets and welcomes his audience after a brief introduction from his MC Buyile Mdladla. In his brief intro, the radio and TV personality refers to Nkabinde as one of the best bass guitarist in the country - surely anyone who knows Nkabinde's work agrees.
The amazing thing though about this particular reference to Nkabinde as one of the best in his industry/trade and country, especially at this particular moment is that this is not only Concords 1st live DVD recording, this is his first concert ever as CONCORD NKABINDE.
For the first time in his career, he is leading a band and performing (with other musicians) his own material and material by other artists personally selected by himself. Unusual yes, I stand to be corrected but no South African artist has ever made that ballsy move before. I mean the trend of recording live DVDs here at home is one that is fairly new. Artists are in their numbers recording live DVDs, mostly to celebrate something, like significant amounts of time spent in the industry, or the realisation of a huge following or to mark the success of an album or to even grow their following. But all the DVD recordings coming out of the music industry here at home seem to be making a point of growth, success or achievement.
Not this one. This was in a way - Concord Nkabinde's hello and may I add, that it was a proper one too.
Recorded in 2005 at The Bassline in Newtown, the concert is a true reflection of Nkabinde's personality, dedication to his craft, love for music and understanding of his fans. It turns out - the venue was so packed that some guest had to be turned away on that night. Let me remind you again - this was Concord Nkabinde's first concert ever. How many jazz musicians can say that about their first concert?
After years of supporting other musician on stages accross the world, his time had come.
The concert starts on a fitting mellow note. With the support of the keyboard Nkabinde plays his beloved bass and sings to his followers. He then starts building elements into the performance. Some expected, some fresh, some farmiliar but one a total blast. About 3 songs into the concert - he invites a beat-boxer who goes by the name Blast to join him on stage. The two make musical magic, surely a fascinating 1st for the audience. Their response says it all.
It is at this point of the DVD that the interviews that are part of the recording start becoming significantly poignant. From Nkabinde speaking about his music and intentions with the recording to special guests like rapper HHP and arts journalist (at the time) Michelle Constant through legendary pianist Themba Mkhize right down to radio hosts Nicky B and KG Moeketsi sharing their views on Concord the man and the musician. The interviews give the recording (as a production)a sense of balance, an attention maintaining touch.
Cracking a few jokes here and there, Nkabinde goes on to play classics and hits with guitarist and friend Louis Mhlanga. He then brings in the rest of the band to tighten the production before he seals it.
The camerawork too deserves kudos - totally colourful.
In one of the upsounds that compliment the concert - Nkabinde goes on to share a tale about how industry players urged him not to record the first concert but to wait a little longer, at least a few years or gigs before he records the DVD.
If stubborn is the word to be used to describe his reaction to those simple pieces of advice - I forgive him for it, actually - I thank him for it.
Sometimes - especially in decorated industries like the music industry we take for granted the hunger to do better than your best that can only come with doing something for the very first time. Concord Nkabinde did not in 2005. He defied the norms and went against the flow. That recording is 6 years old, and if I didn't know any better - I'd think he recorded it at the height of his career. The live DVD is OUTSTANDING.
My name is Tumi Sedumedi. I love the arts.
Concord- "Live in Joburg, South Africa" is available at Look&Listen stores.
For more on Concord Nkabinde and his work visit www.concordcreativity.com
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