About Jaryd Philander
Born and raised in Cape Town, transitioned into jazz, gospel, Afro, and modern influences.
He’s performed in venues like Mojo Market, The Cullinan Hotel, The Commons in Muizenberg, Jazz in the Native Yards, and many more in Cape Town.
Leads the Jaryd Philander Quartet, featuring trumpet, bass, and drums—showcasing original compositions like “Prayer of Hope,” “Reflections,”
Upcoming Show
Venue: The Athletic Club & Social, Cape Town City Centre
Date: Friday, 29 August 2025
Time: 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM (SAST)
Tickets: R200 (via Quicket)
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/319168-jaryd-philander/#/
Jaryd will be performing with his quartet, presenting his original jazz-gospel fusion music
We chatted last week
What is your purpose?
My purpose, I believe, is to use my gifting in music, teaching and fitness to help and empower people.
What does music mean to you?
Music for me is truly freedom of expression that meets people where they are at the moment. If I am feeling down, just by listening to my favorite songs, it can change my mood.
My music is about…
Being able to share with people something that we can all relate to and be moved by.
That is the gift of music, to unite people no matter who they are or where they come from.
What is your motto?
“What we do in this life, echoes into eternity” Maximus from Gladiator
Fame is about…
Having a teachable spirit as a musician by constantly seeking to grow and improve in your skills and being able to use your platform to empower the next generation of musicians.
Retirement will happen when…
I have achieved my dreams and goals as an artist and a guitarist within the music industry and have done all I can to leave it in a better place.
I don’t do…
Marmite on toast, that for me is a no go and should not be allowed, period.
I would love to co-write with…
Andile Yenna. He for me is one of our living legends who has written amazing music.
I will never forget the time I heard the tune Wicked Whispers or Tembisa, truly magical.
Where do you go for inspiration to create?
Inspiration for me has come from the seasons of life that I have gone through and what I am currently listening to.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?
Getting the opportunity to work with amazing musicians on gigs and share creativity on the bandstand.
There is just something that happens when musicians come together and play music they love.
The song you must do during every show?
Breaking Bread. It’s an original composition that has been a favorite of mine to play as the last song of the second set.
Any funny moments on stage?
I had a couple of times at the start of the gig when I needed to start a song, and realised that my guitar volume knob was turned down, super awkward and not a great feeling. I have also mispronounced a band member’s name, after asking them before how to say it correctly.
My heroes are…
John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Peter Bernstein, Jimi Hendrix, Alvin Dyers, Cameron Ward, Michael Bester
My style icon is…
Peter Bernstein, He is one of the top jazz guitarists in the world today.
Everything he does on the guitar speaks to the history of jazz and guitar by being true to the music and the melody of the song.
I would love to meet him and have a guitar lesson one day
Which living person do you admire most and why?
My Dad, he has shown me what it means to be a person who is hard working, servant hearted with his time and a person of integrity
What is your most treasured possession?
My Fender Vinterra Stratocaster and Gretsch Streamliner Jet Guitars
It’s your round; what are you drinking?
A Smashing Basil always goes well.
Dream gig to do?
It would have to be playing at the Village Vanguard and the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City.
What makes you stand out?
I believe that what makes me stand out is that my character speaks for itself when I work with people. For me, music is only part of the job, how one treats and respects people is a big deal, which I try my best to do.
Any nicknames?
My friends call me Jazzy Jay, because of my love for jazz music and my friends from school called me Philly.
If you were not a musician, what would you do?
I would have loved to have been a sports conditioning coach for a professional sports team e.g A Rugby Team, which is funny since I do have a Fitness Diploma from the Exercise Teachers Academy
Pick five words to describe yourself?
Hardworking, driven, loyal, passionate, approachable.
Five must have songs on your Spotify playlist please
- Pat Metheny and John Scofield, The Red One,
- Clifford Brown and Max Roach Daahoud,
- Bill Evans Nardis,
- Nirvana Smells like teen spirit,
- John Coltrane My favorite things
Greatest Movie Ever Made?
The Matrix. The moment Morpheus is asking Neo which pill he would take the red or the blue, that scene for me is always so cool to watch and the story is just amazing.
What book are you reading?
The Bible. As a Christian it’s important for me to spend time in God’s Word to grow and mature in understanding and faith.
What song changed your life?
Bold as Love Jimi Hendrix, I will never forget the first time I heard about the amazing Jimi Hendrix. The way he played the guitar with such skill and passion below my mind.
Who do you love?
My wife, she really is my rock and my biggest supporter, through my whole journey of being a musician and allowing me to chase after my dreams.
What is your favorite Word?
Carpe Diem which means to seize the day, or I believe to make the most of every opportunity.
Top of your bucket list?
Getting the chance to go overseas and travel with my wife. Both of us have never been overseas before, so we are hoping to do that sometime soon
Your greatest achievement?
Living out my dream as a full-time musician playing and gigging and being able to teach for both Kronedal Music Academy and Studio D’Arte.
What do you complain about most often?
Not moving fast enough in progress as a musician, whether that is my playing level or wanting to be playing more regularly.
What is your biggest fear?
The fear of not reaching my full potential as a musician and artist.
Happiness is…
Being in the moment and being content with where you are and embracing the journey.
On stage, I tend to…
Trying my best to work on staying relaxed when I play a gig. In the beginning, I was quite nervous to play in front of people, but over time as I got better at playing and played more gigs, it got better over time, which I am happy about
The best life lesson you have learned?
To fully embrace the season that you are in and choose to be kind to yourself, even when you don’t feel that you are improving, which is something, I constantly have to remind myself as a musician.
What has been your favorite journey so far?
Having the privilege and the opportunity to play my original music live to audiences with my band has truly been something that I have really enjoyed and want to keep pushing to do.
Do you do charity work, and if you do – what do you do?
I have started a business called Moving Minds, which has its purpose to
help support neuro divergent children through the help of exercise to help
improve cognitive development, spatial awareness and improved
confidence. We are currently relocating and will be moving to new
premises in September.
Wishes and dreams?
I really want to release my first ever EP with my original music and to be able to do a tour of Cape Town, JHB and Durban to help showcase the music.
To work with and record with other jazz artists and composers in Cape Town.
I would love to play gigs overseas in America and Europe and while there I seek to take a guitar lesson with one of my heroes, maybe Peter Bernstein
What are your YouTube links?
https://www.youtube.com/@jazzwithjay464
https://www.instagram.com/jaryd_jazzy7philander/
Https://www.facebook.com/Jaryd.Jazzyguitar
Discover more from Triple M Entertainment
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
