From the humble streets of Philadelphia to The Big Apple, Bilal has so far realeased three albums. Dedicated to old-school, the former jazz musician navigates comfortably around all things percussion, organ and guitar-based. In 2001, at the age of only 21, Bilal's 17-track autobiographical debut “1st Born Second” was set, by critics, alongside D'Ángelo's 2000 “Voodoo” album, labelling it the “smoother stepchild”. In 2003 he delivered his second collection of songs entitled “Love For Sale”. The album was never officially released, but was bootlegged by fans.
From recording with Blue Note's Robert Glasper's Jazz Trio, this classical and operatic talent, musically fluent in no less than seven languages, has made friends and laid down tracks that have elevated the albums of his peers. Common, John Legend, Boney James and Kayne West all count him part critical to their respective ever-spreading global impressions.
Describing Mos Def, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Q-Tip and Erykah Badu as “our forefathers” Bilal's inspiration has resulted in him swerving between jazz, blues, funk and soul - defying traditional definition and clear-cut pigeonholing.
In September 2009, Los Angeles-based record label, Plug Research, signed Bilal in readiness for his next full-length album. Scheduled for release this year, festival-goers are sure to get a slice or three of his 20/20 2010 musical vision that's a plethora of soul, jazz, rock and electronica.
As his first official release in eight years, the 11th Cape Town Jazz Festival is one of the first platforms on the continent.
Ticket prices for the 2010 festival are: R330 for single day pass and a two-day weekend pass is R485. As in previous years, there will be an extra fee of R25 per act for patrons wishing to attend concerts on the Rosies stage. Tickets are available at Computicket and Shoprite-Checkers stores.
For more information, go to: www.capetownjazzfest.com
