SA jazz guitarist Mark Haskins announces Rome dates

Haskins will play at Casa del Jazz on 14 and 16 August and BeBop Jazz Club on 21 and 23 August. He will be accompanied by his band comprising Dave Rush (drums), Tony Southby (bass) and Clive Reebok (piano).

Haskins will entertain fans with songs from his latest album The Angel in You as well as tracks such as ‘Nightride’ and ‘African Heartbeat’.

“I am very excited and thrilled simultaneously,” Haskins told Music In Africa. “My fans can expect a new twist in my sonic approach. It is a little funkier. Also, my band has a few new members this time around.

“I have performed in Italy on numerous occasions. The last time was in Venice in February 2018. London was my base country for close to 30 years. I have played at Ronnie Scotts in London and Igor Butman Jazz Club in Moscow. I have played at many major jazz festivals and featured on the BBC on numerous occasions. I returned to South Africa recently. My career is pretty established abroad and this tour is mainly to stay connected with my Italian fans and also to showcase my latest album release.“

Commenting on his latest album, Haskins said: "The title track is dedicated to my late wife. It is a ballad with an underlying jazz flavour. The lyrics tell a nostalgic story of déjà vu. The other eight tracks cover a very broad spectrum in the jazz pallet, ranging from Cuban rhythmic patterns to more contemporary jazz. It is a collection of my life experiences. It is a treat."

Haskins was raised in a musical family. His father was a violinist and his sister a music teacher. His love for music led him to study jazz guitar at Trinity College of Music in London. With almost four decades in the music industry, he has played around the world and worked as a session musician in the UK, Ireland, France, Australia and the US. Haskins owns MIH Music Publishers.