Musicist.co.za: The Jazz Colloquies.

In the fourth episode of The Jazz Colloquies season, vocalist, Rorisang Sechele joins Areh in what is the first in person episode recording of the series. They catch up on how the start of the year has gone and seemingly how Rori has had a new leash of life going into it, they speak about ambitions, the industry and much more.

In the third episode of The Jazz Colloquies season, Areh is joined by young saxophone player and instrumentalist, Jean Strauss. Here they talk about Jean's journey with jazz and his instrument of choice. his current tenure in the city of Boston as well as future ambitions to venture into the New York music and jazz scene.

In episode two of the second season of The Jazz Colloquies, Areh speaks to jazz vocalist, Francesca Biancoli. The conversation touches on her early days in the South of Italy and how the music found her, her subsequent journey to South Africa where she has now spent the last 14 years of her life as well as of course the music.

In the first episode of the second season of The Jazz Colloquies, Areh speaks to double-bass player Zenzele Mthembu-Salter. The conversation ranges from new found life in Amsterdam where he is furthering his studies, what stands out for him with his instrument of choice - the bass, his Future Kwela concept and project as well as future endeavors and hopes.

In what is the final episode of The Jazz Colloquies podcast series, guest, Sandile Gontsana joins Areh in discussion of his time in London working as part of the Disney Lion King theatre production, this chat then leads to the (lack of) South African "theatre going culture".

Their chat also touches on the importance of music education, Sandile's time studying at the University of Cape Town with whom are now leading South African jazz artists, Sandile's personality and thIne importance of travelling and broadening one's world view and horizon.

Spha Mdlalose joins Areh for the penultimate episode of the series. Their chat revolves largely around her debut album release, Indlel'eyekhaya, they touch on each song on the album in detail, and speak on the conceptualizing, composing and rolling out of the album. The chat also touches on the general perception of jazz audiences, the ups and downs of the music streaming model and the role of events and event organizers in the exposure and profitability of the artists.

Spha also talks us through her ideal live performance set up and her favourite songs to perform before speaking on her first encounter with Sibongile Khumalo and how important she was to her as a person and as a reference within the jazz and music spaces.

Jazzgroupiez founder, Todd Moultrie joins Areh for episode six of The Jazz Colloquies podcast series. Todd talks us through his journey from his early church and gospel days back in Beaumont Texas to a then subsequent fascination with the art of beat making. The conversation also touches on Todd's introverted personality and how it also venturing into the Jazzgroupiez brand, in addition he tells on how the passing of his dad led him back to jazz after a break away from music, and how early encounters with Robert Glasper can somewhat be credited for the inception of Jazzgroupiez.

The chat of course also touches on Todd's booming relationship with South African audiences and artists as well as the role both social media and streaming platforms played in it.

Talie Monin features as the fifth guest on season one of The Jazz Colloquies podcast series. This chat immediately takes off on the origins of her performance name "Talie", before going into her early encounters with music, defining her style of music and touching on her journey with music education both in Johannesburg and Paris.

Talie and Areh also speak on the element of performance as a being one of key, before moving on to Talie's transition and adaptation to life in the city of Hong Kong. The chat ends off with discussions of debut album, 24 Strathay, future projects in the pipelines as well as the likelihood of performing back home in South Africa.

In Episode Four, Areh chats with current Mzantsi Jazz Awards Newcomer of The Year, Kgethi Nkotsi. They recap and reflect on the year that has been by touching on his debut album offering, titled, Maswitsi and the conceptualizing and composing processes of the project as well as speak briefly on his work with the Iphupho L'ka Biko project.

The recording, however, begins on Kgethi's perception on awards before leading on to his personality and its stems and his time spent at the Moses Taiwa Molelekwa Arts Centre. Kgethi also takes us through his initial encounters with the trombone as well as his subsequent journey with the instrument.

In the latest episode of The Jazz Colloquies podcast series, Mzantsi Jazz Awards Best Jazz Female Artist and Best Jazz Album accolades holder Melorie Jane joins Areh to discuss the music and events scene in the city of Pretoria and the room for growth in such regard. Their chat also touches on the music(al) influences of Melorie in her early days prior to her undergrad days at the University of Pretoria.

Melorie also speaks on life as an artist in the Franschhoek and Cape Town area, in addition to breaking down the "contemporary" jazz artist title and the compositions and thinking behind her award winning album, More or Less.

For Episode Two of The Jazz Colloquies, Areh speaks to jazz protégé and vocalist Bokang Ramatapeng. This conversation ranges from the matriarchal presence and influence of her mother and sisters from an early age, to life at the National School of the Arts under the guidance of Omagugu Makhathini harnessing her musical talents, her journey with music education as well as her overall perception on education. Bokang also speaks passionately on her hopes and wishes for the African people and their music before touching on her approach to her artistry and what gets to her in the song making process.

Areh speaks to radio broadcaster and jazz "disciple" Ngwako Malakalaka. The conversation ranges from Ngwako's upbringing and early surroundings, the evolution of radio broadcasting and his role in it, the significance of documenters such as Siphiwe Mhlambi, all the way to his understanding of a life of purpose. The K Jazz show host also takes us through his early encounters with the jazz discipline as well as the lengths to which he goes in preparation of his now esteemed show on the Kofifi FM platform.