October 20, 2007
An artist of high integrity and sensitivity, Rus Nerwich has a reputation for being an innovative and dedicated musician. Committed to using music as a vehicle to uplift, communicate and empower, Nerwich is highly regarded by both musicians and the listening public, his album “Beyond the Walls” is recognized to be one of the most interesting and daring musical works to come out of South Africa in recent years. Nerwich recorded his last album in Buenos Aires in 2005. Recent highlight performances were at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival as well as The Spier Arts Festival.
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October 20, 2007
The SA Rock Digest recently spoke to Rus Nerwich about this important release:
Rus Nerwich - Beyond The Walls
The album’s title, ‘Beyond The Walls’, explains how these timeless melodies, born in pain and tragedy, have been sensitively re-interpreted in a contemporary jazz idiom and given a new life. This serves to capture the essence of their composers’ creative expression, amidst great horror and pain, and stands as a testament to the power of music and to the enduring power of the human spirit.
On the album Rus Nerwich plays soprano and tenor saxophone and is accompanied by his group, which includes Andre Peterson on piano, Dominic Peters on bass, and Kevin Gibson on drums.
The Interview:
SA Rock Digest: Having released a mostly traditional jazz album debut called ‘As Above So Below’, what caused you to take this different direction for your second album?
Rus Nerwich: In May last year, after finishing my debut album, I spent a lot of time thinking about what kind of role music played in my life and what kind of contribution I thought I could make to the world of music….a very overwhelming thought. I realised that the only way to make an authentic and sincere contribution was to deal with themes, subject matter, and music that was part of who I am, my heritage. I had spent much time playing standard jazz compositions and as beautiful and engaging as that experience was, there was something missing - this was not my story. As an improviser I felt I was reflecting on a reflection, as opposed to being the reflection.
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