Under the Poetree
is my first exploration in the world of electronic music. I have been
working on this album since November 2006, when I got my hands on my
first Mac.
The project opened up an entirely new musical world, there I literally
spent hundreds upon hundreds of hours, crafting, forming and rearing
each track, so that it sounded in reality as it sounded in my head. I
would wake up and spend all day in the studio, get to bed at 4am and
wake up inspired and excited to pick up where I'd left off, each
moment would see me bringing this music down from the spheres into the
world, what a beautiful experience.
I discovered the world of producer, how it feels to hone a piece of
music, looking at it from every angle, critically, creatively and
ultimately, commercially. How to bring the best out of each artist I
collaborated with on the album and how best to carry across the
message inherent in each track. My aim was to produce an album that
would appeal to a wide cross section of people whilst retaining the
highest level of musical substance. Drawing from all my influences,
Jazz, hip hop, folk, soul, reggae and funk music. I believe I have
achieved what I set out to do.
On many of the tracks I performed and played all the instruments. As
well as falling into the roll of recording engineer and producer, I
discovered my ability to drop a little rhyme or two, so for those who
know me solely as a saxophone player, there's a little surprise
waiting for you.
The album includes many of the most respected and accomplished
musicians active in the South African music scene, and features the
likes of Melanie Scholtz, Buddy Wells, Shane Cooper. Kevin Gibson,
Ronan Skillen and Wesley Rustin. The album also brings to the wider
market an exceptionally talented rapper by the name of Souljaz Pros,
featured on four tracks, including the title track 'Under the Poetree'
he is destined for greatness.
Recorded at The House of Love and Jazz, mixed by Dave Alexander and
mastered by Dave Subkleve, the production and quality is comparable to
any thing in the international marketplace.
An eclectic mix of music that culminates into a cohesive whole, the
album is an artistic offering that I know will bring many hours of
inspired and enjoyable listening. Taking you on an aural journey that
starts with the neo soul track 'Thank you for the music' and ending
with the contemplative 'Electric Ju-Ju'.
I am proud to release this musical offering into the world. Its the
beginning of a new kinda party, Keep a look out for gigs n' get a copy
of the album at a music store near you, Come Join me under the
Poetree...
peace,
Rus Nerwich
Full Artist Bio
Highly regarded as a diverse and multi-talented artist, Rus Nerwich
pursues his passion and life's work with a deep sincerity and focus.
Having successfully released 5 albums over the past five years, Rus is
recognised as a musician who is constantly searching for ways to
engage the listener. With a humble disposition and an assertive
nature, Rus performs with bare honesty. Committed to using sound and
music to inspire, uplift and ultimately communicate, Rus has over the
past five years developed a unique musical approach and sound, both
reflected in his recorded work and live performances.
With no musical training, but filled with the will and desire to learn
the musical arts, Rus literally begged his way into the University of
Cape Town's music department. There, under the mentorship of Rene
McLean he studied saxophone, improvisation and jazz history for the
next four years. Forming his first band, 'Tones of Note,' Rus became
one of the few musicians who took the initiative to actively find work
and establish platforms to perform. Soon he was running one of the
busiest working bands in the city. He then went to live in London
where he performed in various musical contexts. Returning from his
travels he set out to record his first album. Titled 'As Above, So
Below' the album featured 10 of Rus's original compositions and was
well received by listeners and critics.
The following year was spent researching and preparing for the
recording of his second album 'Beyond the Walls,' a monumental work
that explored music that originated in the Ghettos of Nazi Germany.
With a strong conceptual premise, and a powerfully delivered
performance, 'Beyond the Walls' established Rus as an important figure
in South African music. Rus was featured as a headline artist, and
asked to perform 'Beyond the Walls' at the Cape Town International
Jazz Festival. Critics and listeners all recognize the significance of
this important work.
He then went to live in Buenos Aires where he performed regularly with
his trio, and quickly established himself among the working musicians
of BA. Going on to record his next album, The Buenos Aires Sessions,
and performing at the prestigious jazz club Notorious, Rus continued
to map out his musical journey one note at a time. Well received, he
played with several bands, and performed regularly with both his own
band and Cumbia band, 'Kaos'.
Returning to South Africa, Rus continued writing and composing.
Resulting in his latest releases 'Mantras4ModernMan vol. 1 and 2.'
With is texturally rich sound and fusion of eclectic elements,
Mantras4ModernMan played to sold out concerts, leaving listeners
inspired and enthralled.
After performing in Europe from July till October 2008, with highlight
performances in Paris, Antwerp, Portimao (Portugal) Prague, Albraccin
(Spain)
Rus has returned to release his first elecronic based project, titled
'Under the Poetree' the album is a solid mix of old school beats n
jazz infused melody's, with some suprises, the album Is a adventurous
departure form his previous jazz explorations.
With his inspired and eccentric artistic nature, Rus brings a
refreshing and inspiring energy. He has contributed greatly to a wide
and varying array of musical projects and performs across a wide
spectrum of styles. These include his work with Dj's, Balkan band
Kolonova, traditional African Marimba ensembles, and Cumbia band
'Kaos.' The free funk ensemble 'Golliwog' to name a few. He also
composed the music for the theatre production 'Jutro'
As a competent writer he is currently completing his first children's
book titled, 'The day love came to visit' and has also written a movie
based on the life of the legendary poet, Mordechai Gebertig.
Constantly working to evolve and grow, Rus aims to find as many
mediums and contexts in which to perform as possible, interacting with
artists and listeners. Using music to connect and educate as well as
bridge social divides, Rus is currently planning a trip to Europe
where he will be performing and collaborating with European artists.
Discography:
Albums by Rus Nerwich
- As Above So Below – 2003
- Beyond The Walls – 2004
- The Buenos Aires Sessions – 2005
- Mantras4Modern Man Vol I + 11 – 2007
- Under The Poetree - 2008
Singles and Collaborations
- Afro dance - 2004 – with Craig de Sousa – released on Soul Candy
- What an Artist – 2006 - Tattoo Lounge
- Only God can judge me – 2006 – Tattoo Lounge
- Phambilili - 2005
- Kolo Novo Movie Band – 2006 - 2008
Most Significant performances
- Cape Town International Jazz Festival
- Spier Arts and Music Festival
- Goethe Institute (JHB)
- Satchmos ( Dubai)
- South African Jazz and Image Festival (JHB)
- Browns (London)
- City of Lights Festival
- Todo Mundo (Buenos Aires)
- Notorious (Buenos Aires)
- La Pomme d'eve (Paris)
- De Muse (Antwerp)
- Audi Medcap final prize giving (portimao)
- Jazzin Albraccin (Jazz festival in Spain)
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