Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Robbie Jansen dies
Lusanda Bill
7 July 2010
Robbie Jansen a South African jazz legend has passed away today.
Robbie Jansen was born in Cape Town in 1949 and began his musical journey in pop bands such as the Rockets.
He also played for the Cape Town’s cult Jazz/rock group Pacific Express.
Jai Reddy who is a close friend of Robbie said Robbie went to hospital on Wednesday and his condition stabilised yesterday.
Robbie passed away two and a half hours ago.
Rai stated that Robbie was a fantastic performer and a great character and represented local music.
Rai also mentioned that Robbie had a strong cultural identity.
Robbie Jansen’s music reflected strongly on the history of the coloured people under apartheid and he was a leading figure in Cape Jazz.
The whole world has lost a great jazz legend, he will be sorely missed.
Announcement from the Bush Radio BLOG:
Tonight (7 July 2010) on Bush Radio 89.5 FM from 20h00 – 22h00, Backchat’s Bassie Montewa will be host a special tribute programme to one of our true folk heroes.
To share your feelings, thoughts and special memories call the studio on 021 448 6266.
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PRESS RELEASE
7/7/10
THE CAPE DOCTOR – ROBBIE JANSEN, WILL BLOW NO MORE
Robert Edward Jansen, known as Robbie Jansen and many other nicknames, died this afternoon after collapsing earlier in the month. Robbie suffered from chronic lung problems, an irony for a man whose breath made him one of the greatest jazz saxophonists South Africa has produced.
Amid the competition that the music business can create amongst performers, Robbie was widely loved and respected for his phenomenal talent. He was an artist with rare musical ability but also an artist with a singular understanding of the entertainment business.
I had the honour to produce his 3 solo albums and feel the loss of this man in a very personal way. Relationships between record label and artist are often businesslike and with mutual respect but in the case of Robbie I can truly say he was a friend I could work with at the same eye level. I will not forget his quick wit and clever perceptions both musical and social. He understood and performed music in a wide range of styles and always at the highest level. As a singer he was a stylist of unique abilities.
I worked with Robbie on and off since the mid 1970s. He sang and played in brass section of Pacific Express, he was central to the success of the great Dollar Brand classic, “Mannenberg”. Later in Spirits Rejoice, Juluka, Oswetie and the many other line-ups, Robbie brought joy to those who came to hear him perform. It was Robbie and Basil Coetzee who recorded for me so many times and who helped define their beloved Cape Jazz.
His collapse in 2004 after the high point of a personal international breakthrough as leader of his own band and the critical success of the Cape Doctor album was a turning point for him. His recovery was miraculous but left him un-able to undertake air travel, but he never the less managed to record the SAMA nominated, Nomad Jez album.
He was a dedicated cultural warrior with a clear political commitment. He leaves a huge gap in the African music scene.
My condolences go out to his wife Marcelle, children and family.
Patrick Lee-Thorp
Director – Mountain Records.
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