NYO Jazz - Live in Johannesburg (Live) (2025) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Theme from The Asphalt Jungle (Live)
02. Evidence (Live)
03. ISIGQI SUITE (Live)
04. Trane (Live)
05. A Time for Love (Live)
06. Rejoice (Live)
07. New Musical Express (Live)
08. Shiny Stockings (Live)
09. The Confession (Live)
10. Kadara (Live)
11. Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Live)
12. Under the Moon and Over the Sky (Live)
13. We're Still Here / He's Alright (Live)

The souls of South Africa’s people embody freedom. From the struggles and eventual defeat of apartheid to the joyous celebrations of overcoming those struggles, one can feel gratitude and rejoicing in the air. That beautiful dichotomy is exemplified on NYO Jazz’s sophomore release, Live in Johannesburg, recorded at the historic Market Theatre during the ensemble’s first tour to South Africa.

As the audience assumes its position as an additional member of the band, the fourth wall is broken, leaving no separation between the musicians and the listeners. This communal feeling can be experienced throughout the album; it’s as if we’re all in a gospel church being anchored by an all-powerful presence bigger than anyone in the room. The 16- to 19-year-old musicians who make up NYO Jazz celebrate the depth of togetherness and the power of unity, while the sold-out audience takes the baton in a circular relay, of sorts, around a theater originally constructed in 1976 to “give voice to the voiceless.”

Featuring several standards like “Shiny Stockings” and “A Time for Love,” NYO Jazz proves that it is steeped in tradition, while simultaneously displaying its modernity with new works written and arranged for the band. The album’s commissioned piece, “ISIGQI SUITE,” is brought to us by South African pianist and composer Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane, who wanted to honor “the essence of South African jazz and the profound emotional connection to our collective musical heritage.” Mexican-born composer and arranger Jhoely Garay also offers her stunning new arrangement of “Trane,” a tribute to the legendary John Coltrane written by Grammy Award–nominated saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin. And “Rejoice,” written by famed composer and pianist Billy Childs, shows off the band’s astonishing virtuosity.

NYO Jazz has a tradition of featuring some of the most stellar vocalists of our time, and this performance is no exception when the incredibly soulful and diverse voice of Alicia Olatuja joins the band. Her set features all new arrangements of pieces selected specifically for this collaboration, including the Afrobeat-inspired “Kadara,” which she co-wrote with Michael Olatuja, and Laura Nyro’s “The Confession,” arranged by Billy Childs. Alicia also gives us an exquisite version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and reminds us on “Under the Moon and Over the Sky” that “the universe is waiting for us to live a life that’s happy and free.” With a dynamic voice and a style that moves from R&B to West African rhythms, she takes us on a beautiful journey that connects the continents.

That connection was also palpable while sharing the stage with our two South African guest artists for these performances—bassist Romy Brauteseth and saxophonist Linda Sikhakane—who lend their voices to Mary Lou Williams’s “New Musical Express” and Thelonious Monk’s “Evidence,” respectively.

Live in Johannesburg reflects the synergy between the United States and South Africa: Struggles of identity and longing for freedom uniquely tie our countries together as the people unite to lift the spirits of humanity. We see ourselves in South Africa, and they in us. In this spirit of unity and togetherness, we offer what I believe will be an album for the ages. An album that uplifts the human spirit in the name of jazz, the greatest sonic depiction of democracy we have.

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