Have you ever wondered what it’s like to watch jazz in The Big Apple? Here is your chance to find out!

 Fresh off the back of his US tour, saxophonist, Adam Larson, closes out the last concert of the Hazendal Wine Estate Jazz Series in Cape Town on Wednesday, 31st May 2023 at 7pm.

Look how these fantastic magazines described Adam.  “Larson’s saxophone skills are beyond the norm; he’s also a prolific composer.”- Downbeat Magazine

“Saxophonist Adam Larson is one serious talent.”- All About Jazz

 He’ll be accompanied by three of Cape Town’s finest: Andrew Ford on piano, Steve de Souza on double bass, and Jonno Sweetman on drum kit.

We chatted prior to Adams Arrival.

What is your purpose?

To positively affect the world through music.

What does music mean to you?

It means an opportunity to be creative and collaborative towards a common goal.

My music is about…

All of the different music I’m inspired by, in and outside of “jazz”.

What is your motto?

Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

Fame is about…

Having between 2-5 friends when you die whose opinion mean more to you than a bunch of random people you’ll never know.

Retirement will happen when…

I have enough saved to cover living expenses until I die.

I don’t do…

Flute solos.

I would love to co-write with…

Anderson Paak

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

To a piano and a quiet room.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Allowing the musicians, I work with to bring the germ of an idea to fruition.

The song you must do during every show?

“Tierney’s Song”, a song I wrote for my wife, Tierney.

Any funny moments on stage?

Yes, one time a woman berated me after a set with my band at Smalls Jazz Club in NYC because I did not play any “Ben Webster”. She was really mad, but as far as I could remember, my gig was not billed as a “Ben Webster Tribute Show”. (It wasn’t)

My heroes are…

My wife and kids, my parents. Musically, Joshua Redman and Michael Brecker stick out.

My style icon is…

H and M catalogues.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Comedian Anthony Jeselnik because he is absolutely fearless and unapologetic about his art.

What is your most treasured possession?

My car.

It’s your round; what are you drinking?

Bourbon, neat.

Dream gig to do?

Any playing with AndersonPaak

What makes you stand out?

My red hair.

Any nicknames?

Big Red. Lars.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

Lawyer

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Tireless, Impatient, Determined, Driven, Focused.

Five must have songs on your Spotify playlist please

Wind Up- Keith Jarrett Quartet

Electric Relaxation- A Tribe Called Quest

Humble- Kendrick Lamar

ATM- J. Cole

Sing a Song of Song- Kenny Garrett

Greatest Movie Ever Made?

Ernest Scared Stupid.

What book are you reading?

Saxophone Colossus: The Life and Music of Sonny Rollins

What song changed your life?

Night Flight- The Brecker Brothers

Who do you love?

My wife and kids.

What is your favorite Word?

Ostensibly.

Top of your bucket list?

Tour each continent with my own band.

Your greatest achievement?

Being a father.

What do you complain about most often?

Having a gig and not having a gig.

What is your biggest fear?

No longer being inspired to continue on with music.

Happiness is…

Having the perspective necessary to enjoy the present.

On stage, I tend to…

Fluctuate between being animated and statuesque.

The best life lesson you have learned?

Don’t worry about things you cannot control.

What has been your favorite journey so far?

Continuing to see how things evolve for me each year as a husband, father and musician.

Do you do charity work, and if you do – what do you do?

No, I should. My wife and I give to the Human Rights.

Wishes and dreams?

I hope to be able to grow old in music and watch my two sons pursue their passions. I hope to continue to be able to support my wife in her pursuits and she was steadfastly supported me in mine for many years.

YouTube 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCGRvsOHlPsH1VRxdJOsdiQ

Social media 

 INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/adamlarsonjazz/?hl=en

DATE

Wednesday, 31 May 2023

TIME

Doors open: 17:30

Dinner served: 18:30

Jazz starts: 19:00

Jazz ends: 21:15

TICKETS

R595 per person

Tickets include a delicious three-course dinner, gratuity and a memorable jazz performance.

BOOK

For bookings contact bookings@hazendal.co.za

 021 205 5620