Artistes performing at the Colombo Jazz and Blues Festival 

Michael Roach 

Michael Roach’s years on the road touring with the largest names in British Rock and Roll developed his confidence to front a band as a singer which was reflected in his skills as a vocalist on Bernie Marsden’s ‘Big Boy Blue’ album in 2002. He, Danny McCormack and Paul Corry brought their talents together after meeting at the American Festival of The Blues to make a pact to create music together during the years 2004-2005. 

Jimmy Thomas 

Having his roots in Arkansas, Jimmy Thomas started his first band in school and then went on to perform at local clubs. After meeting Ike Turner in St. Louis, they began to make music together and Thomas was soon to be play a large role in the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. He has also worked with John Lennon and the Rolling Stones to name a few. 

Sannie Fox 

Renowned for her trio of talents as a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Sannie Fox has been crowned the Rock and Blues queen of South Africa. She has been described in The New Age as "belting out the blues like she was born in a Louisiana swamp." 

Ayanda Jiya 

Influenced by the sounds of Gospel, Jazz, Neo Soul and RnB, Ayanda Jiya started singing at the age of 6. She recorded her first song, Rescue Me in 2007 and progressed after much work to release her E.P. ‘Very Intimate Conversations (V.I.C)’ in May 2014 at the State Theatre. 

Duduzile Makhoba 

Duduzile Makhoba’s smooth, powerful voice has cemented herself as a remarkable force in the South African music scene. She has participated in many Jazz festivals including the MACUFE Jazz Festival and the Ingoma Yam Festival and through her performances continues to build her sustainable music brand. 

Musa Mashiane 

Musa Mashiane’s music is personified by its maturity and sophistication. He melds influences of African music, jazz, funk, pop and neo-soul to produce a unique sound. Although influenced by international artists like Victor Ntoni and Stevie Wonder, at the heart of his music lays a truly African feel. 

Brown Sugar 

Brown Sugar is an exciting jazz sextet that takes music to another dimension with their quirky and spontaneous sound. With Ashane on the piano, Sheranga as the vocalist, Janith on the saxophone, 19 year old Daniel on the drums, Revel on guitar and Shobi on electric uptight bass, modern music is reformulated to produce an unorthodox and original tone. 

The Rynosax Collective (Electro Jazz) 

Playing music from Classic Old School Jazz to Big Band Jazz, Electro Swing, Funk and Nu Disco, The Rynosax Collective have a dynamic sound. Ryan Sadri, one of India’s leading saxophonists, Amul Lokanathan, DJ,  Anand Bhagat, percussionist, together create both a visual and musical spectacle when performing on stage. 

The Untouchables 

The Untouchables are instrumental band playing fusion and Jazz music whilst still maintaining their African influences. It consists of Base: Ishmail Ndhlovu, Keyboards: John Lundun, Drums: Tshepo Mathe, Guitar: Sean Sebola and a three horn section, Tshepo Tsotseti on Saxophones, Manna Bongani on Trumpet and Neo Mogotsi on Trombones. 

Danny McCormack 

A singer and bassist, Danny McCormack now writes and lives in South Sheilds. He has played extensively in numerous bands including The Wildhearts, The Yo-Yos, Dogs D’Amour and supported his younger brother’s band 3 Colours of Red on their final tour of Germany. 

Matt Cowley 

Matt Cowley’s skills on the drum has taken him to Muscat, Switzerland, Johannesburg and Spain among others where he played with a large and varied range of performers including US Bluesman Michael Roach and RnB legend Jimmy Thomas. He continues to remain in high demand by both UK based and international musicians. 

Paul Corry 

Paul Corry is something of a multi instrumentalist, being able to play the flute, clarinet, guitar and E.W.I but his passion remains with the tenor saxophone which he started to learn aged 15. His natural ability in swing and groove has led him to rise to the frontlines of the Blues and RnB tenor saxophone where has performed with Duane Eddy, Roy Wood and Jamiroquai among others. 

Roger Innis 

A self taught musician, Roger Innis was heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple and the Steve Gibbons Band and studied multiple genres of music from rock to pop to country so that he could be able to find the opportunity to perform expressively.  He has spent most of his time touring, gigging, recording or working on projects with other creative individuals. 

Colombo Jazz and Blues Festival 

Date : 7 February 2016 
Time : 12 noon onwards 

Tickets : Rs. 5000 per person, available at Galle Face Hotel, Colombo 3 Sugar Bistro & Wine Bar, Crescat Boulevard, Colombo 3, PR, 41 Horton Place, Colombo 7. 

Website : www.colombojazzandbluesfestival.com 
Facebook : www.facebook.com/mainstagesrilanka 

By Upeksha Hettiarachchi